A FIRE service employee is taking to the hills to raise money for the charity that will be supporting him after his recent cancer diagnosis.

Group commander Stu Crebbin, who works in the Hereford and Worcester fire inspection team covering Redditch and Bromsgrove, will take on the 10 Peaks Challenge in the Brecon Beacons in August in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

The hard-pressed charity is a cause close to Stu's heart as he will be receiving assistance from the service following a diagnosis of PTSD and cancer earlier this year.

Stu, age 45, said: "I started to feel ill in January and I was diagnosed with PTSD. Then in April 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which has spread to my liver and lungs.

Redditch Advertiser: Stu was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in AprilStu was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in April

“Living with PTSD and cancer has had a devastating effect on me but I'm staying positive with the help of loved ones, friends, colleagues and the charity.

“My cancer treatment consists of both chemotherapy and immunotherapy and although I've got a long way to go I'm pleased to say that I'm responding well to the initial treatment - so much so that I'm feeling really positive about my future.”

Stu is set to undergo rehabilitation at the Fire Fighters Charity's Harcombe House in Devon when lockdown restrictions allow.

“This is a fantastic charity which is helping me and many others get through some extremely difficult times,” said Stu.

He will be joined by friends and colleagues for the charity challenge on August 10, and will be supporting the team at checkpoints and ferrying equipment as they cover 89 kilometres and ascend 4,800 metres to climb 10 peaks over a 24-hour period.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/stu-crebbin.