A FIREFIGHTER is set to swim the channel to raise money for a friend battling lung cancer.

Father-of-two Steve Marshall, from Helmshore, is set to attempt the 19 mile nautical challenge at the end of the summer to help the cause of Andy Shaw.

Mr Shaw, 46, from Haslingden, was diagnosed with lung cancer in March this year and a fundraising group 'Andy's Angels' was set up to support him and his family.

After a weekend away with his friends the fireman at Hyndburn station decided to tackle the challenge after another of his friends completed it.

Mr Marshall, 48, said: "It all came about just on a lads weekend away on the Isle of Mann, I just decided to do it after a couple of beers.

"It was something that I always wanted to do, and I never imagined doing it for money, just for myself.

"But then when Andy was diagnosed with cancer, who is a good friend of mine, I thought I would.

"I just thought if I could raise a bit of money to help him, however much, it would be great."

The pair have been friends for around 15 years around the time when Mr Shaw was the landlord at the former Clarence pub in Helmshore Road.

Mr Marshall is an experienced swimmer and has swam across various lakes previously.

He has been given a one week window when he will start the challenge, between August 27 and September 3, with the time depending on weather conditions.

He has been stepping up training in recent months to make sure he is ready for the challenge, where he will be followed by a team supporting his challenge.

He said: "I'm nervous about it but I'm not going down there to fail.

"It will certainly be a conversation starter."

Nicola Bezer, Mr Shaw's sister, set up the fundraising page and she has paid to Mr Marshall and everyone for the fundraising to date.

So far around £7,000 has been raised throughout a variety of events, including a family fun day at St Mary's Chambers in Rossendale at the end of May.

The 48-year-old said: "Everyone has just been brilliant.

"Andy is just going through his third round of chemotherapy and it seems to be working, but the symptoms are starting to hit him.

"We just want to use the money to help take the pressure off and help the family make memories, they're hoping to go away on holiday."

Mr Shaw was previously manager of Rossendale Valley Lions under 13 football team and the garage cafe manager at Tor View Community Special School.

He has one son, 13-year-old Harry.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nicola-collins-1