FIREFIGHTERS from Buntingford are taking the plunge for a 100-mile swim. Swimmers across the county are coming together to raise money for the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City next month. The hospice cares for 2,200 patients and families each year, a

FIREFIGHTERS from Buntingford are taking the plunge for a 100-mile swim.

Swimmers across the county are coming together to raise money for the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City next month.

The hospice cares for 2,200 patients and families each year, and is committed to enhancing the quality of life of patients living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in east Hertfordshire.

Among its patients was Sandra Hooper, mother of fireman Wesley Cook, pictured above.

Mr Cook, 29, of Oak End, Buntingford, said: "The hospice and staff made the situation so much more comfortable and they were very accommodating, giving my mum and family the support we needed."

Mr Cook says he is taking part in the swim as a way of giving something back for the care his mother received.

He said: "The care they give patients and their families is so important.

"Fund-raising events like this are vital, as they ensure that the hospice can stay open and be able to afford valuable equipment."

Mr Cook, who is the crew manager at the Hertford and Buntingford station, will be joined by four other Buntingford firefighters, and their former station clerk.

Between them they are aiming to raise more than £2,000.

Mr Cook said: "Despite not being a strong swimmer, I will stay in the pool all day to reach the target."

Event organiser Julia Skinner said: "We are delighted that so many firefighters across the county are joining us to help make light work of our 100-mile target.

"We hope more people will help us make our Pink Swim a terrific success - the more swimmers, the easier the challenge.

"Individuals, families, friends, schools, and businesses are all welcome to take part."

- The 100-mile swim takes place on Sunday, February 18, at Haileybury pool, Hertford Heath. For more information, contact Julia Skinner on 01992 443055, or e mail:

julia.skinner@virgin.net

To sponsor Wesley and his team of firefighters visit www.justgiving.com/100mileswim