AN EX-FIREFIGHTER has set himself an arduous goal to trek 18 miles in full firefighting equipment to raise money for two charities.

Adam Collins of Brompton-on-Swale, Richmond in North Yorkshire will undertake the walk across a part of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland later this year.

The 33-year-old said he will complete the walk, which is in aid of the British Heart Foundation and The Fire Fighters Charity, in less than ten hours.

He said: “This event is going to be a struggle, I am under no illusion that it will be a walk in the park – hiking 18 miles, is enough of a challenge, but to do the same thing in kit, which is roughly an extra three stone on top of my own weight, is seen to others as crazy.”

Mr Collins, now a parts manager at Nissan Richmond Motor Services Ltd, said a heart attack suffered by his older brother, Stephen Collins, helped inspire him to undertake the mission.

He said: “Thanks to Yorkshire Ambulance Service, staff at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the help and research from The British Heart Foundation, Stephen is still with us today – I am dedicating this event to him.”

Mr Collins, who previously worked at Colburn Fire Station, near Catterick Garrison, said he wanted to include The Fire Fighters Charity in his fundraising efforts, as they had helped him through rehabilitation whilst serving.

He said: “I ruptured my biceps tendon during my time in the service and went to The Fire Fighters Charity for rehabilitation on my arm after surgery.”

"Without their help, my arm would be nowhere near a good as it is today.

"Over the years I have seen Fire Fighters battle through Cancer, mental health issues and other physical issues."

The trek is set to take place between 7.30am and 6pm on Sunday, May 19.

Jane Horsnell of the British Heart Foundation said: “We are really grateful to Adam for supporting us through his fundraising walk.

"The money raised by dedicated individuals like Adam, is vital to help us fund research to beat heartbreak from these conditions, forever.”

A spokesperson for The Fire Fighters Charity said: “As an ex-firefighter Adam has first-hand experience of the support we provide and knows the difference we can make to those in need in the fire and rescue service community.

"We rely on the passion and determination of fundraisers like him to raise the funds we require, so it’s amazing that he’s taking on this challenge for us.

"We wish him the best of luck on his hike and thank him for his support of our Charity.”