Fundraising firefighters braved the summer heat as they pulled their engine more than a mile to raise money for a children’s hospital.

The Epping crew tugged the giant vehicle up and down the road from the station, impressing crowds with their strength on Saturday (July 23).

Starting at the Bell Common end of Hemnall Street, they pulled the fire engine along the High Street to the Epping Forest District Council civic offices before doing a manual three-point-turn and returning to the station.

The impressive feat was done to collect money for the station and Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh), which provides specialist care for children in London.

A total of £1,000 will be added to local mother Vicki Alderson’s fundraiser for Gosh.

Mrs Alderson’s daughter Olivia, aged five, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour when she was two-years-old.

Having faced two brain surgery operations and months of chemotherapy, Olivia has now received ground-breaking treatment from Gosh which dramatically reduced the tumour size and restored failing sight in her left eye.

Mrs Alderson, 32, of Severns Field, Epping, has organised a number of fundraising events to help the hospital continue vital research and to care for other children.

“We were chuffed that the firefighters chose us,” she said.

Earlier this year, Mrs Alderson arranged a team of 32 to run in the Race for Kids in Stratford, and pupils at Olivia’s school helped raise £1,300 in a publicised event for Gosh.

“Some people said they recognised my daughter now.

“I am hoping that we will be more well-known.

“Next year, who knows who will want to get involved?”

Epping firefighter Matthew Thorne, 37, said the heat had made the annual effort seem harder than ever but added: “To be able to do something for such a worthwhile cause as a local girl trying to raise money for brain tumour research, we would do it again tomorrow if we could.”

Writing on Twitter, Gosh said: “A huge thank you to the Epping firefighters.

“Such an incredible way to help us raise vital funds.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/Teamoliviaalderson.