Heroic firefighters up for award after bike ride in support of terminally ill colleague

Cleckheaton Fire Station’s Blue Watch saddled up for a bike ride to Amsterdam last year after firefighter Matt Wood was diagnosed with cancer.

And now the crew, who raised thousands for charity along the way, have been nominated for a Spirit of Fire Award.

The firefighters, based at the Hightown Road station, were nominated for the Team of the Year category after raising £7,772 last October.

They took part in the cross-country bike ride raise cash for The Fire Fighters Charity after Matt was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in 2013, aged 42.

Matt sadly died last month.

The charity supports firefighters and their families and recognises their heroism and bravery with its Spirit of Fire Awards.

Other categories include Fire Service of the Year, Best Newcomer and Firefighter of the Year.

Award winners will be announced at the charity’s ceremony on October 2 at Park Plaza Westminster in London.

For more information visit www.spiritoffireawards.co.uk