A cancer survivor has fulfilled his dream of becoming a firefighter. Tony Harvey, 56, ran his own window cleaning company until he was diagnosed with throat cancer five years ago. After successful treatment, the father-of-two said he decided to pursue his childhood dream and became an on-call firefighter for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, in Chopwell, Gateshead. Station manager Andy Nelson called Mr Harvey's story "heartwarming" and said his "tough experiences" would help. Mr Harvey received the all-clear in January and, alongside building a new landscaping business, he decided he wanted to join the fire service. "It's always been my dream to be a firefighter, but I always thought my time had come and gone," he said. "But this time, when the recruitment call went out, I was fit and able to apply - and I knew I wanted to give a little bit back to my community, if I could.