Martin from Blacktown Fire station and other firies are in a calendar to raise money for the burns unit at The Children's Hospital, Westmead
MARTIN Crew is not afraid to put his body on the line — or in front of a lens — for charity.
The Blacktown-based firefighter of 14 years appears in front of a wall of flame on the March page of the 2013 Firefighters calendar, to raise funds for the burns unit at The Children's Hospital, Westmead.
A diesel-soaked sheet was lit to create the effect.
"Burns units are what firies tend to support, and the calendar this year is to support the children's burns unit," he said."Obviously being firefighters, collectively it's a cause that is close to all our hearts."
Mr Crew has spent most of his career at Blacktown Fire Station, as well as at stations in Parramatta and Castle Hill.
He said he was thankful he had not witnessed too many horrific burns.
"If you're lucky the ambulance is there, but we've got there first a couple of times. You have to put your first aid skills to work too. It's tough work, but rewarding," he said.
Mr Crew spent months to get fit for the calendar. "It was hard work but a challenge," he said. "That was probably the best incentive, just to see if I could get in there."
"Family are proud. Friends, secretly proud, but they have a laugh.
"They're doing wonderful things helping me out to sell the calendars though."
The calendar is $10 and available at Coffee Club outlets in NSW, some shopping centres and race days at Rosehill.
Details: firefighterscalendar.com.au.