FIREFIGHTERS are going more than the extra mile to help a little boy in his battle with cancer.

George Pannell from Littlehampton is fighting a stage four neuroblastoma.

The two-year-old has the rare cancer which affects his nerves and glands.

It means he needs to regularly visit hospital in Southampton for treatment.

Most recently he has been in hospital for two blood transfusions, but it is reported that he still has a smile on his face despite being so poorly.

So the Littlehampton fire crew are doing their bit to help George’s family with costs of staying and travelling along the coast.

They will do a gruelling 12-hour workout wearing ten kilogram vests.

They will complete a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 squats, ending with a second one-mile run.

Kate Gray, one of the firefighters preparing to take on the demanding 12-hour challenge, said: “When we heard about everything George and his family were going through, we knew we had to do something to help.

“He has to make regular trips to hospital in Southampton, which can take a real toll on a family.

“This challenge is going to push us to our limits, but it’s nothing compared with the battle that this brave little two-year-old has been fighting.

“We will also be raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity, which is a cause incredibly close to many of our hearts.

“The charity provides a real lifeline to both serving and former firefighters and their families.

“With the outbreak of Covid-19, many of their fundraising events have been cancelled, which puts added stress on their situation.

“So we are hoping to raise a decent amount of money for them through the pain we are putting ourselves through.”

The fire crew on Blue Watch will take on their challenge at Littlehampton Fire Station on August 25 from 7am.

A fundraising effort by the team has already made more than £1,000 with dozens of donations coming in.

One person donating told the firefighters: “You are an inspiration and a credit to our town.”

To find out more about little George’s story or to donate, you can visit the Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/blue-watch.