Walk in memory of firefighter with 'big smile'

Jon Partridge's colleagues said he would not have liked the "fuss"

"I don't think he would've approved of this," said firefighter Jonathan Billington gearing up for the next section of his 150-mile walk.

He is joined by a dozen others, marching across Leicestershire in full fire kit to honour their colleague Jon Partridge, 38, who died earlier this year following a medical emergency.

Mr Billington, a fire protection inspecting officer, said the moment he was told the news about Mr Partridge's passing is something he "will never forget".

He is among several firefighters in Leicestershire and Rutland who have committed to walking the distance between all 20 local fire stations in Mr Patridge's memory, aiming to raise more than £10,000.

The money will be split between the Fire Fighters Charity and Mr Partridge's family, to support his son.

Mr Partridge, who was a watch manager, died suddenly and was laid to rest in his hometown of Billesdon with a full guard of honours from his Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service colleagues.

Mr Partridge was described as a "lovely guy" and "big personality"

Many of those same colleagues are taking part in the walk, covering 254km (158 miles) over 10 days, which is due to conclude on 18 October.

As well as raising money in his honour, the walk was also a time for firefighters to remember Mr Partridge.

"We just came together," said Mr Billington, standing in front of the Southern Leicester Fire and Rescue station at Fosse Park.

"We laughed about his stories and we kind of just grieved together," he said.

He described Mr Partridge as a "big personality" and a "lovely guy" who "always had a big smile on his face".

"Jon had a wicked sense of humour," Mr Billington said.

"He would do anything for anyone. He was the life and soul of every room you were in.

"We can definitely feel his loss," he added.

Jonathan Billington said the walk was a time for firefighters to remember their colleague as well as raising money

Mr Billington said he was in disbelief when he heard his colleague had died.

"I was devastated. I could not believe it.

"I had then the unfortunate job of ringing Jon's boss at headquarters and breaking the news. It's something I'll never forget," he said.

The firefighter said it was "very good for the service to come out and show their support".

"I asked in the van on the way over this morning 'what would Jon make of this'?

"I don't think he would approve. I think he would say 'you're better off going down the pub and having a beer'.

"It's something we do to honour his memory. And we're proud to do it," he said.

In a tribute to Mr Partridge, firefighter Yuri Bryars described him as a "larger-than-life character"

Firefighter Yuri Bryars added: "I don't think Jon would've liked the fuss but it's good to do something to commemorate him and raise some money for charity.

"It was a bit of a challenge for all of us at the station. We've had to walk about 25km every day but it's been a good challenge, and it's been a good way to remember Jon."

However, he said Mr Partridge would have described the challenge as a "waste of time".

"He would have liked the challenge but he wouldn't have liked that it was all for him.

"He was a larger-than-life character, [he] filled the room. He was always smiling, always laughing, always joking - always there to help you out."

On Friday, the firefighters will be walking 33km (20 miles) from Melton to Oakham then to Uppingham Fire Station, finishing on Saturday at Billesdon Fire Station.