Fire

Inspirational cancer patient turns firefighter for the day

An inspirational 22-year-old woman living with terminal cancer has spent the day at Oldham Fire Station, as she continues to tick off “bucket list” goals.

In 2018, Laura Nuttall was given just 12 months to live by doctors, but she’s defied odds since and has become well known and popular for her positive attitude as she makes the most of life, making memories with her family.

Laura, from Barrowford in Lancashire, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme - the most aggressive form of brain cancer - following a routine eye test. Despite being given a year to live, she has since ticked off various goals including graduating this summer, completing the Great North Run and hosting a BBC weather forecast.

In August 2021, Peter Kay performed two sold-out sets at Manchester’s O2 Apollo to raise money for Laura. In November, the Bolton comedian then treated her and mum Nicola for a surprise lunch before Laura resumed radiotherapy.

After seeing Laura’s story, Aaron Lee - firefighter at Oldham Fire Station – invited her and her mum Nicola and dad Mark to visit for the day. Laura has long had an interest in the fire service and was thrilled to accept the invitation on 16 December 2022.

She was given a tour of the fire station and shown around a working fire engine, with a demonstration on how all of the hundreds of components work. She then pulled on her own firefighter’s uniform as she was given a small ride in a fire engine, taken up in a cherry picker and held a hose.

Firefighter Aaron Lee said: “It was an absolute privilege to be joined by Laura and her mum and dad for the day. I, and everyone else at Oldham Fire Station, have been really touched by Laura’s fight and resilience. To be able to invite her here for the day really is the least we can do.

“The courage and positivity she shows is so inspiring and I’m really pleased we were able to give her an experience I hope she won’t forget. She’s a real hero and I wish her the very best.”

Laura said: “This is something I never thought I’d be able to do. I’m really grateful to Aaron and everyone else at Oldham Fire Station for going out of their way to show me round for the day.

“The fire service is something I have always been fascinated by. Their jobs really mean something, and they help people every day.”