A Knaresborough man who has devoted much of his life to helping others is now appealing for help to get vital medical treatment for his son.

Retired firefighter Bruce Reid is best known in the town for organising free Christmas Day meals for up to 100 people. But he has also raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for a host of other good causes in North Yorkshire.

His son Andrew, 32, underwent surgery for a brain tumour three years ago. The operation successfully removed 80% of the tumour but it continues to grow and the family has set up a gofundmepage to pay for treatment abroad as nothing suitable is available in the UK.

Bruce, who was made an MBE in 2015 for services to the Fire Fighters Charity and the community, said:

Bruce, along with son Andrew, daughter Amanda Glennon and nephew Callum Reid, are training for the London Landmarks Half Marathon on April 7.

The fundraising target is currently £10,000 but the actual sum needed is likely to be several times higher. However, because the family is still unclear what treatment is required, or the sum, they are just trying to raise as much as they can for now.



Bruce appealed for help at this week's Knaresborough & District Chamber AGM and said he hoped to arrange fundraising events in Knaresborough after the half marathon to continue generating income. Members agreed to do all they could to support him.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret afterwards, he said:

You can donate to the cause here.

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