A TEAM of firefighters have braved the elements on a mountainous challenge in memory of an incredible colleague.

A team of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue (HWFRS) firefighters braved the elements on Saturday, August 7, to remember a friend and former colleague who lost a battle with cancer earlier this year.

Last year, Stu Crebbin, from Hartlepool, was part of the team which undertook The Brecon Beacons Ten Peaks Traverse, raising an incredible £11,384 for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Sadly, Mr Crebbin died in March at the age of just 46 after a battle with cancer.

This year, to honour Mr Crebbin’s memory and to support a cause dear to his heart, firefighter Spence Jones led 32 HWFRS colleagues, along with Mr Crebbin’s sister Sam Crebbin, to complete The Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Traverse.

The challenge involved climbing the 10 highest peaks within the Brecon Beacons National park, around 42 miles of mountain terrain with 3,100 metres of ascent.

Mr Jones said: “The conditions were pretty severe at times with torrential rain and gales meaning that everyone wore waterproofs all day, however all 33 participants who set off at 5 am completed the event at around 11:30 pm, an incredible achievement.

“It was a fantastic effort all round and I’d like to thank everyone who took part, not least the essential logistical support team.”

So far Stu’s Phoenix Challenge has raised £5,100.00 for the Fire Fighters Charity, but the fundraising efforts are far from over.

The family, from Hartlepool said: “Stu was dedicated to raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and specifically asked for donations to be made to this charity on his behalf so we know he would fully support and love this event.

“We would like to express how honoured we are at this event being undertaken in memory of Stu, he thoroughly enjoyed this challenge himself in August 2020 and we are certain he will be with you all that take on this 2021 challenge, so go and make him proud and keep the momentum going.”

Mr Jones added: “There are six car washes arranged across the Service over the next five weeks, five in Herefordshire & Worcestershire and another in Stu’s home town, Hartlepool, all in aid of the Firefighter’s charity.

“We are confident that we’ll surpass last year’s fundraising total.”

“Stu’s memory will live on long into the future with annual Phoenix Challenges, the planning for next year’s event has already started.

“Stu was dedicated to raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and the outpouring following his death from fire and rescue services and colleagues across the country was overwhelming.

“He made his mark, genuinely cared for people and stood up for what he believed so it’s only right for us to keep that legacy going.

“We’re still taking sealed bids over £5,000 for blacksmith Steven Cooper’s incredible 1.8m phoenix – anyone interested can contact me sjones@hwfire.org.uk”

The Just Giving page available at: justgiving.com/fundraising/stusphoenixchallenge