SOUTHEND firefighters raised £3,500 by walking up and down Southend Pier wearing full breathing apparatus.

The team of 11 worked together and walked 26.2 miles, the length of a marathon, in aid of Southend Hospital.

The money will be used to buy a special electric cot for the children on Neptune ward.

The intrepid members of Green Watch, each carrying 18kgs of equipment, walked for seven hours through heavy rain, high winds and sunshine.

They also raised £1,000 before the event from collections at Tesco, Waitrose and Mayhem nightclub.

Firefighter Rob Cork, who organised the event, said: “The watch all put in a lot of effort leading up to the event with training and collecting money and, although the day was hard work, it was very enjoyable and the public were friendly and supportive.

“We wanted to raise money for a local charity and thought of the children’s ward as it would be close to many people’s hearts.

“We are very pleased with the money we've raised and happy it’s going towards such a good cause.”

Fundraising manager for the hospital Barbara Warner received the money from the firefighters this week, from the walk on June 30.

Neptune Ward hopes to replace ten old cots with the Inspiration cots which have a greater degree of comfort, are height adjustable and have a tilt facility which is often necessary for children with respiratory problems.