Left to right at today's presentation are Kieron, Stuart, Pauline and John.

21 May 2008

Hairdresser Pauline Akerman presented firefighters at Buckingham Fire Station with a £401 cheque made out to The Fire Fighters Charity today.

Pauline, from Buckingham, took part in this year’s five kilometere Mad March Hare in Great Horwood and raised the money through sponsorship.

She took up running just eight months ago after being encouraged by her brother-in-law John Robinson, a Watch Manager at Bletchley Fire Station.

“I was feeling a bit down and John told me how regular exercise could help me feel a lot better about myself,” said Pauline, 39.

“I love it – I go to the gym every day and run a total of 20 kilometres every week. I look and feel much better and I’ve even managed to lose four stone!”

She decided to support The Fire Fighters Charity – a national charity which provides assistance to serving and retired fire and rescue service staff, their families and dependants – as a thank-you to John, who also attended today’s presentation.

Receiving the money on behalf of Buckingham Fire Station were Crew Manager Stuart Irwin and Firefighter Kieron Thomas

Kieron, who is the station’s representative for the charity, said: “We would like to thank Pauline, and all the people who sponsored her, for this generous gesture.

“Without donations like this, the charity simply wouldn’t be able to offer all of its vital services and support to the people who need it."