When Lake Illawarra police rugged up in purple beanies to support the Beanies for Brain Cancer movement in May, area commander Superintendent Wayne Starling challenged the Illawarra’s other emergency services to match the police.

On Friday, paramedics from Kiama to Helensburgh gathered in Wollongong to benefit the brain cancer cause, purchasing special beanies to benefit the fundraiser.

‘‘We’re taking up the call from the police,’’ paramedic Carol Bond said.

‘‘The nature of our job, we’re happy to help causes like this. 

‘‘Everyone has bought a beanie, it’s been a real team effort.’’

Ms Bond also urged other emergency services to rally behind the fund-raising drive.

‘‘We’re putting it out to the firefighters now,’’ she said, laughing.