Fearless fundraising firefighters from Purley will be giving a different sort of firemen's lift when they raise thousands of pounds for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers later this month.

The group led by Bill Hearn, will be one of a number of teams carrying an MS sufferer in a wheelchair over a tough 10 kilometre orienteering course in Wales.

Fiammetta Alley, from Streatham has agreed to brave the MS Snowdonia Challenge to help raise money for the Sutton and Croydon MS Therapy Centre, based in Coulsdon.

She said: "In the past I climbed Cader Idris and used to be a keen cyclist, so I miss wild countryside. But to be carried there by a group of handsome firemen will be great!"

The centre, which receives no outside funding, serves as a lifeline those with MS who live south of the river, offering a range of invaluable services, such as physiotherapy, counselling, and massage.

The MS Snowdonia Challenge, on July 17, 18 and 19, is one of its main fundraising events of the year. Eight teams representing the centre will travel to Snowdonia to take part, each one carrying an MS sufferer.

They will be joined by 42 other teams from similar MS therapy centres around the UK. Anyone who would like to support should send a cheque made out to Sutton and Croydon MS Therapy Centre, to: MS Snowdonia Challenge, Sutton and Croydon MS Therapy Centre, The Mount, Lloyd Avenue, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2QS. For information, phone Ann Wilkins on 0181 660 1181.

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