Commuters chip in for American fire fighters

LEIGH firemen are standing shoulder to shoulder with charity collectors to raise funds for tragedy-hit American fire fighters in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America on 11 September...

A special collection for the American Fire Fighters Appeal Fund is being made at Leigh-on-Sea station amid homecoming commuters on the c2c route on Wednesday 26 September from 4pm to 8pm.

The idea was the brainchild of c2c's Leigh-on-Sea customer services assistant Les Thorrington who is also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters fraternal organisation, who have strong links with America.

Les said: "The Foresters here are doing a lot of fund-raising work for the Red Cross in America in the wake of the terrorist atrocities in New York and I thought it would be a good idea for us to do something for the brave fire fighters who suffered such severe losses, particularly at the World Trade Centre in New York.

"I approached Leigh fire station who were very keen to get involved in anything to help their colleagues across the Atlantic and they are bringing one of their fire engines down to the station on Wednesday.

"It will also be a good opportunity for many of our customers who felt so appalled by the tragedy in America and are also anxious to do anything to help. The Independent Order of Foresters has agreed to match any amount raised up to £1,000."

Leigh Fire Station Sub Officer Mark Taylor said: "The fire service is like a brotherhood all over the world. If a tragedy like that had happened over here, I am sure our colleagues in America and in other parts would also be doing something similar.

"There is no shortage of funds for the rescue and clean-up efforts, this fund is really aimed at helping the families of the fire fighters who were killed in this dreadful situation."