A Whitehaven firefighter has handed over a cheque for £2,500 to the Fire Fighters’ Charity.

Ade Kevern had raised a total of £5,000 at a recent Big Bash held in Egremont Market Hall.

He organised the event to raise money for The Bridgeway in Penrith, which provides support for victims of rape or sexual abuse, and The Fire Fighters Charity.

Mr Kevern wanted to raise money for the charities which had supported him as he came to terms with being abused as a child.

A further £2,500 will be given to the Bridgeway Centre, also in Penrith, once they have decided how to put it to use.

Both organisations have been vital supports for Ade, who was sexually abused when he was a child by a neighbour. Last August his abuser was jailed for four years.

At the sold-out Big Bash, Ade surprised the crowd of about 200, by taking to the stage to perform with fellow firefighter Darren Elliot, of Stainton.

The pair, who call themselves Mr Volatile, performed six songs by a range of artists including Oasis, The Jam and The Undertones.

It was the first time Ade has ever played in front of people – many of his friends didn’t even know he played guitar.

Ade said: “My hands were shaking and my face was purple I was so stressed out. I made a few mistakes but no one noticed it.”

On the afternoon before the Big Bash, Ade was presented with his long-service and good conduct medal at Whitehaven Fire Station in front of his family and friends.

Ade said of the whole day: “It was a bit like a wedding, when you’ve got all the emotion and in the night everybody’s dancing.”