NIFRS Supports Newry Cadet With Fundraising Campaign

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched a fundraising campaign in support of a 15 year-old cadet from Newry who is suffering from ovarian cancer.

The service is hoping to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children as it supports Leah Scholes throughout her treatment.

Firefighters will hold three car washes throughout the month of March in a bid to raise vital funds and give back to the charity.

Leah, a keen young firefighter, was delighted by the service's pledge to raise money for her charity.

She said: "I am so pleased that NIFRS has come together to raise money for a charity that has been so helpful to me since I received my diagnosis.

"Cancer Fund for Children reached out to support me when I received my diagnosis, and myself and my family plan to go and stay at the charity's Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, County Down in the next few months.

"The Newry Fire Cadets have also been a great support network for me. I joined the Cadets in September 2018, and the friendships and personal skills I have developed through the scheme have really helped me during this time."

Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Alan Walmsley said of the inspirational young teen: "Leah embodies what it means to be a NIFRS Fire Cadet- she is a strong, resilient team player with a zest for life. We are so thankful to the Cancer Fund for Children for all that they have done to support Leah, and as a Fire & Rescue Service we would like to give back to them, to thank them for all they are doing to care for one of our own."

The car washes will take place as follows:

• Saturday 07 March 2020 10am-4pm – Cadogan Fire Station, Lisburn Road, Belfast

• Saturday 14 March 2020 10am-4pm – Newry Fire Station, Upper Edward Street, Newry

• Saturday 21 March 2020 10am-4pm - Knock Fire Station, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast

Mr Walmsley added: "Firefighters, Cadets, Support Staff and Volunteers across the organisation are coming out in force to pick up the sponges and get stuck in, and I would encourage the public to come along to one of the car washes and show their support for this very worthy cause."

CEO of the Cancer Fund for Children Phil Alexander welcomed the support: "We are very grateful to NIFRS for taking on this fundraising initiate to raise much needed funds for Cancer Fund for Children. The charity has a longstanding relationship with NIFRS and once again we are so thankful to the Firefighters, Cadets, Staff and Volunteers for their commitment and enthusiasm in raising funds that will enable our team of Cancer Support Specialists to help more young people like Leah."



(JG/CM)