Firefighters from south Essex are switching from firefighting to boxing to raise money to help colleagues who tackled the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Lee Glover, who is based at Rochford Fire Station, and Steve Thorogood, who is based at Rayleigh Weir Fire Station, are taking part in a charity boxing match on June 8 at Indigo at the o2.

The London Blue Light Fight Night will raise money for both London Air Ambulance and Firefighter’s Charity, and aims to reach out particularly to members of the emergency services who were affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Fifteen personnel from each of the services as well as 15 civilians, many of whom have never boxed before,will be taking part on the night.

Mr Glover, 38, from Rochford, said: “It isn’t something I’ve ever done before, but it’s great to get involved with a cause that is close to so many people’s hearts and put yourself out of your comfort zone to try and make a difference.

“I’ve been training every day, sometimes twice a day, and I’m feeling confident with just over three weeks to go. It will be a challenge, but I can’t wait to get out there - with so many people from across the different services coming together I think there will be a great atmosphere on the night.”

The man behind the event is 40-year-old Lee Brown from Harold Wood, who lectures in physiology at the University of East London and has helped raise over £2million for good causes over the past ten years.

He said: “I know so many people who have been affected by the Grenfell tragedy, and for many of the emergency services, particularly the firefighters, who attended the incident, the trauma of that night continues to have a huge impact.

“This is our way of giving back to the charities who do so much for our emergency services, and are for many people, emergency services or not, a lifeline.”

The public inquiry examining the Grenfell Tower fire was launched yesterday, with some of the families of the 72 victims stepping forward to commemorate their loved ones.

All families who lost relatives in the blaze, which started after a fridge exploded on the fourth floor of the 24-storey block on June 14, 2014, have been invited to speak publicly.

The intensity of the blaze has led to questions about the buildings £8.6m refurbishment, particularly the use of cladding.

Tickets for the event can be found at www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/the-london-blue-light-fight-night