FIRE crews will walk over seven miles from Sale to Manchester Airport carrying a 5 metre (16ft) steel ladder to raise money for Maggie's Manchester cancer charity.

The crew will carry the ladder through Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Hale and Hale Barns before finishing at Manchester Airport.

Firefighters will complete the Ladder Challenge in their full fire kit to raise awareness for Maggie's Manchester, a cancer charity based at the Christie Hospital in Withington.

Russ McCulloch has been a firefighter at Manchester Airport for nearly 20 years, heroically responding to aircraft accidents and emergencies to domestic fires, first aid calls and fuel spillages.

But Russ wants to draw attention to the heroics of Maggie's Manchester, and raise awareness of the life-changing support they provide to people affected by cancer.

Maggie's helps people live positively with cancer by offering practical, emotional and social support to anyone affected by cancer.

Russ said: "Maggie's is an incredible charity, providing support to anyone affected by cancer. It's there for the whole community and we're so lucky to have it here in Manchester.

"It's a free service and many people don't know about it, so we want to get out there in the community and raise awareness, engage with people and tell them all about this amazing facility and its amazing staff.

"It's a great opportunity to meet the public and have a chat and raise money for a truly special cause."

The walk will take place on Saturday, May 26, starting in Sale at 10am.

Russ and his fire crew will then undertake the second part of their Ladder Challenge, carrying the ladder over 3,000ft up to the summit of Mount Snowdon in Wales.

To donate to The Ladder Challenge for Maggie's Manchester, text MAFS90 and your amount to 70070, for example MAFS90 £5.