A cancer survivor has decided to chase his dream after beating the disease and become a firefighter.

Tony Harvey, 56, from Gateshead, owned his own window cleaning company before he began noticing he had a significant problem swallowing five years ago.

The father-of-two discovered he had cancer following a doctor’s visit and was forced to give up the business he had spent 15 years building.

The Northern Echo:

After battling the disease, which included many surgeries and radiotherapy, he was given the all clear in January.

So, when he saw Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) were recruiting on-call firefighters,

Since then, Mr Harvey has decided, after spotting a recruitment call from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), to follow his childhood dream.

He said he is sharing his story as he chases his dream to encourage others to do the same despite how desperate their situation might be.

He said “It’s always been my dream to be a firefighter but I always thought my time had come and gone.

“But this time when the recruitment call went out I was fit and able to apply and I knew I wanted to give a little bit back to my community if I could.

“I’ve lived in the area for over 35 years now so I know how much the community really relies on the fire station, it’s great to be a part of something larger.”

“You couldn’t fault the instructors and trainers they were so hands on knowledgeable.

“Yes, it was tough but if it wasn’t I don’t think you’d be in the right role or getting the right education.”

He went through the recruitment process to provide cover at Chopwell Community Fire Station.

Mr Harvey shocked those at the station with his fitness just six months on from being given the all clear.

Station manager for Chopwell Community Fire Station, Andy Nelson, said “It’s so heart-warming to hear about Tony’s life before he joined us as an on-call firefighters.

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“He has lived through some tough experiences so knows what it’s like when adversity hits which can happen a lot in this role.

“Having life experience and a different professional background is great because you never know what this role is going to through at you and sometimes you’ve really got to think outside the box.

“It’s nice that people like Tony can give back to the community that he has been a part of for so many years by becoming an on call firefighter.”