Suranne steps in for charity

CELEBRITY support . . . Suranne Jones with boxer Amir Khan and comedian Dave Spikey — all backing the Fire Fighters Charity

OLDHAM actress Suranne Jones is making great strides to raise money for injured firefighters.

The 30-year-old, who shot to fame as feisty factory worker Karen McDonald in “Coronation Street”, will trek the Great Wall of China in May in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

The former Oldham Theatre Workshop pupil and Red Barn barmaid in Chadderton wanted to help after hearing about the injuries Bolton firefighter Steve Morris suffered in the summer of 2008.

He received 50 per cent burns after being engulfed in a fire ball while attempting to rescue a family caught up in a house blaze.

Suranne attended Bolton Fire Station for a public open day around the time of the incident and has since actively supported the cause.

She even won £25,000 for the charity by taking part in the celebrity edition of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire”, which was aired on ITV last Christmas.

The charity assists more than 17,000 individuals every year but receives no Government funding and is completely reliant upon donations.

Suranne said: “When I met Steve’s family last year and heard about his story I was completely overwhelmed.

“I asked the charity to throw me a challenge and they suggested walking the Great Wall of China.

“I am looking forward to the challenge, but at the same time, it is quite daunting. It will be tough, but nothing like what a firefighter recovering from burns has to go through.

“We just need people to dig deep now and support the cause.”

Any firms willing to become corporate sponsors of the charity trek should contact Alison White on 01256-366 566 or e-mail awhite@firefighterscharity.org.uk. For all other donations, visit www.justgiving.com/surannejones