A FIREFIGHTER will don his uniform for an epic mountain trek in aid of his friend's cancer treatment, as an initial fundraising target has been smashed.

Flint Firefighter James Williams will be taking up a major challenge next month by trekking up and down Snowdon in full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus.

His determination comes from his ambition to raise funds for cancer treatment for a friend's Just Giving appeal, and to help others, including fellow firefighters.

A close friend of James’, father-of-one Andy Jones, 44, of Pentre, Sandycroft was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour at the end of 2016.

Andy has since undergone surgery to remove the majority of the tumour but still has to wear special patches, which are not available on the NHS, and will have to make frequent trips to London for treatment.

His family has been pushing hard to raise the cash required to fund treatment not currently available on the NHS.

James will be undertaking the challenge on April 14 and will look to split the sponsorship money raised between a 'Just Giving' page set up for Andy and The Fire Fighters Charity.

An initial target of £30,000 was set when the appeal began earlier this year, and with donations and funds raised through various events, this has been surpassed in the last few weeks.

Almost £31,000 has been raised so far.

James said: "I wanted to do something to help raise these much needed funds for Andy. I'm very grateful to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for granting the permission for me to take part in this sponsored walk in full fire kit.

“Once the target has been reached, any additional funds will be donated to the brain cancer charity.”

To support Andy's fight, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andy-jones-fightinggbm4