A KIND-hearted Evesham man took on a triathlon with a difference this weekend to help support the work of the fire service.

Sam Cullis took on a 15 mile triathlon to raise money for the Fire Service Charity, which helps firefighters and their families across the country.

For the challenge, he ran two miles, cycled for 10 miles and then carried a 25kg bag of cement for the final three miles of his route back to Tesco, where he was welcomed back by staff and and representatives from the police and fire services.

He said: "The reason I am doing this is to give something back to the fire service as they have done so much good work over the years. My heart is truly in this and I want to help in any way I can."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service thanked Mr Cullis on behalf of themselves and Herefordshire and Worcestershire. On Twitter, they said: "Yesterday crews from @glosfire and @hwfrs supported Sam Cullis as he raised funds for @firefigterscharity by completing a triathlon, made up of a run, cycle and weighted walk around Evesham, yesterday morning. Well done Sam and Thank you from all of us."

The Firefighters Charity also thanked him, saying: "Amazing. A huge well done Sam. Thank you so much for your support."

Speaking before he took on the challenge, Mr Cullis said: "The reason I am doing this is to give something back to the fire service as they have done so much good work over the years. My heart is truly in this and I want to help in any way I can."

The Firefighters Charity helps provide confidential personalised support to the fire services community including both past and present firefighters, their families and loved ones.

The charity provides mental, physical and social support at its centres, remotely, online and in the community. They also help all those who have retired, as well as for spouses and qualifying dependants.