Littleborough fire-fighters raise money for trio of charities

Heavy rain and strong winds didn't dampen the spirits of fire-fighters at Littleborough Fire Station who raised thousands of pounds for charity this month.

More than £3,500 was raised in total which will be split between The Fire Fighters' Charity, Help for Heroes and local charity, the Baby River Appeal.

The event was held at the beginning of the month at Littleborough Cricket Club where there were stalls selling various goods, carwashes and Santa's grotto throughout the day.

Due to the bad weather, the stalls had to be taken indoors and the fundraisers decided to use an old fire engine from the museum at Rochdale to travel around Littleborough giving out chocolate and chatting to people in the community.

This was followed by an evening event at the cricket club which kindly provided two functions rooms, one of which was transformed into a winter wonderland based on the North Pole bar in Manchester City Centre and designed by fire-fighter Phil Garbett.

The evening featured a hog roast, auction and raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, including an eight-foot polar bear created by a local theatre company.

Kellogg's donated 12-months supply of cereal while Barclay's Bank donated an amount to The Fire Fighters' Charity.

Crew Manager Craig Rawlinson said: "Unfortunately the wind and rain battered down blowing over all the stalls and kept a lot of people inside. But we still managed to raise a decent about of money for the three charities thanks to the hard work of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service staff and local shops and businesses who helped out.

"Phil Garbett designed and built the North Pole room with the help of colleagues from Littleborough Fire Station and it took them around two weeks, they did a fantastic job."

The Baby River Appeal raises funds for 15-month-old River who suffers a rare disorder called Dystonia and requires specialist treatment and equipment.

River's parents put on an illusion act and fire cadets from Littleborough also helped out on the night.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/48010/family-fundraise-for-baby-rivers-future