A BRAVE teenager is raising money for firefighters after he survived a devastating house fire at his family home in Redditch.
Curtis Brooks, aged 13, courageously jumped from the roof of his Lilac Close home in June as the blaze swept through the property.
He had tried to leave his attic bedroom by going down the stairs but was pushed back by the force of the fire which destroyed everything in its wake.
With no other choice but to climb out of his bedroom window, he prepared himself for the jump.
Waiting at the bottom was his parents, Tim and Lindsay Brooks, who had managed to escape out of another window.
They could barely see Curtis because the smoke was so thick but they knew he needed to jump to survive.
Curtis was quickly taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after breaking his legs and teeth in the fall.
His parents and sister Olivia, who was badly burnt in the fire but is fortunately on the road to recovery, were taken to Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham, leaving the family separated for a month.
In the fire Curtis lost all of his belongings, including his treasured camera.
The budding photographer had snapped many nature pictures on family holidays and in Redditch before the incident took place.
Knowing how keen he is on photography, his kind-hearted uncles recently bought Curtis a new camera.
Mum Lindsay said: “Curtis decided to create a picture calendar using his own photos to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity after being encouraged by his teacher.
“He is so brilliant and positive – as are the rest of my family – and has been amazing throughout all of this.
“I couldn’t have done what he did.”
Forty-five copies were made of the calendar but only five remain.
However more are expected to be printed by ASAP Printing in Headless Cross, where they can also be bought.
People can also order a copy by messaging Lindsay on her Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/LinziBee
They cost £7 and are paid through PayPal if bought off Lindsay.
You can also donate to the family’s Go Fund Me page, to help them get back on their feet.
To donate to the family’s Go Fund Me Page click HERE.
