FIREFIGHTERS have teamed up with a wheelchair manufacturer to help a Brierley Hill man take part in a challenging fundraising event.

Bill Weston, who has a mobility affecting neurological condition, is preparing to take part in Mary Stevens Hospice's Neon Night Run at Himley Hall later this month.

The event will see more than 1,000 people raid their wardrobes in search of 80s clobber to wear as they walk, jog, run - or in Bill’s case wheel - around the park grounds on September 28.

Bill who volunteers at Healthwatch Dudley, was supported by his fellow volunteers and staff to take part in last year's event but lumpy terrain proved a bigger challenge than expected for him in his lightweight folding wheelchair.

The team pushed through to raise more than £600 for the Oldswinford based hospice and pledged to make it more comfortable for Bill to get round the course in 2018.

Sunrise Medical, a Brierley Hill based wheelchair manufacturer, answered the plea with the loan of a rigid wheelchair and firefighters from Brierley Hill Fire Station's Purple Watch came to the rescue, offering push power on the night to support the team with their fundraising target.

Bill said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part again this year and am over the moon with Sunrise Medical for the wheelchair loan and with our local firefighters for helping us to support such an important cause."

Dan Malin, the hospice's digital media and PR specialist, added: “This is a wonderful example of the community coming together and it’s our privilege to welcome Bill, Healthwatch Dudley and the fire service on the night.

"Their generosity, and that of Sunrise Medical, is inspiring and we can’t wait to put on a fantastic evening for all of our supporters who have signed up for the event.”

Team Healthwatch and Bill can be sponsored for taking part through their online Just Giving fundraising page www.justgiving.com/Healthwatch-Dudley.