Comic Joe Bromehead tops bill at fundraiser for tragic firefighter

FIREFIGHTERS will be rallying round at a fund-raising event tomorrow in support of a workmate left paralysed from the chest down after a freak off-duty incident.

Gavin Walker, a 27-year-old father of a six-month-old daughter, is battling to be home for Christmas after spending months in hospital.

Gavin, who lives with his family in Thorpe Hesley, suffered spinal injuries in an accident at his parents’ swimming pool in the summer when he hit his head and crushed a vertebra in his neck.

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A fund-raising concert at the Exchange Bar in Rotherham from 8.30pm tomorrow is one of a number of events planned to raise money to help pay for an electric wheelchair for

Gavin, who has been in the fire service for eight years and had recently been promoted to a post at county headquarters.

Rotherham fire station manager Claire Duke said: “It left him paralysed from the chest down. He has some movement in his hands, but he can’t make a fist so he needs a decent wheelchair to get about and get home.

“He has been in hospital since the accident and his main aim is to get home for Christmas.

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“He continues to have a series of knock backs, catching the MSRA bug and various other infections.

“Gavin is a very likeable guy and we are trying to raise money to help with the purchase of a good electric wheelchair and towards the adaptations to his house required for him to be able to go home.”

Firefighter and comedian Joe Bromehead will compere the night along with the bar’s manager, Aleyshia Stones, and bands performing are all led by firefighters.

Entry to the bar is free but a collection will be made and a raffle held, with prizes including a mountain bike, a mini-moto bike, a meal for two, cinema tickets, champagne, tickets for iceSheffield and gift boxes of his and hers perfumes.

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