A MIDDLEWICH firefighter is set to tackle a tall task next weekend, climbing the Beetham Tower one step at a time in full fire kit.

Ashley Powell, who also volunteers with the fire cadets and is a full-time North West Ambulance Service emergency medical technician (EMT), will take on the tower climb on Sunday, February 26 for The Christie Hospital.

He will trudge up 798 stairs and 46 floors while sporting 12kg of breathing apparatus, and is setting his sights on more than simply completing the challenge.

Ashley said: “To increase the challenge, and encourage people to donate more, I will be ‘running’ this event in full fire kit whilst carrying a 12kg breathing apparatus set.

“The Christie supports the development of cancer prevention, treatment, research and education through investment in staff, equipment, facilities and other support services, so it's an amazing cause.

"My aim is to complete this challenge in under 30 minutes, so if you want to help me ‘feel the burn’ then please donate!"

Ashley is no stranger to charity endurance events, having taken part in the Manchester 10k in full kit last year, carrying a full-size ladder with firefighting colleagues.

The Christie in Withington, Manchester, is one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe and treats more than 40,000 cancer patients every year.

Click here to see Ashley's fundraising progress.