Firefighters from across the UK are gearing up to tackle this year’s London Marathon while wearing full fire kit, to raise funds for us.
Among them is London firefighter Steve Behan, who will attempt to complete the marathon ‘under air’ – wearing full breathing apparatus (BA) and switching cylinders 12 times during the 26.2-mile route. He’ll be supported by a team of fellow firefighters, with 13 sets of breathing apparatus needed to complete the feat.
Steve, who is based at Soho Fire Station, says we offer vital support to fire service personnel, like himself, and knowing it’s there for him should he ever need it is a “huge reassurance”:
“I’ve been a firefighter for nearly 22 years and have seen first-hand the difference this charity makes to firefighters and their families. Whether supporting recovery from serious injury or helping with the mental impact of the job, they are there when people need them most. This is simply my way of giving something back and helping ensure that support continues.”
Joining him is Chris Dabell, who isn’t a firefighter himself but is choosing to run in full fire kit – carrying breathing apparatus – as a tribute to firefighters across the UK who wear it every day to save lives.
Chris is also running in memory of firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, who tragically lost their lives in the Bicester Motion fire last year:
“This challenge is deeply personal. Following the tragic loss of Jennie and Martyn in Bicester, along with the serious injuries sustained by others and the daily risks faced by every firefighter, I felt compelled to do something. This run is my way of honouring those we’ve lost, those still fighting, and those who selflessly serve our communities every day.”
Firefighter Hannah Weatherley, based at Wembley Fire Station in London, will be running in full kit too, carrying a BA set. She says:
“I’m a serving London firefighter, and every day I see the physical and mental demands this job places on us. Firefighters face extreme conditions, traumatic incidents, long hours, and sustained physical strain – and Fire Fighters Charity is there to support us when we need it most.”
Meanwhile, Cheshire Crew Manager Ant Naylor, who’s based at Knutsford Fire Station, is also running in the same kit. Ant has received support from Fire Fighters Charity previously, alongside his family:
“This charity means a lot to me and fire service communities throughout the country. They’ve supported me, my family and my colleagues through some incredibly tough times, and I’ll never forget the difference they made in our lives.”
They’ll be joined by Hampshire and Isle of Wight on-call firefighter Matt Arnold, who’s based at Grayshott Fire Station. He recently joined the service in development, and says:
“I have only recently joined the Fire Service but have already seen and heard first-hand about the amazing work the charity does to support the service and want to do my part in helping out.”
And Connor Bay, a firefighter with Essex County Fire and Rescue based at Harlow Fire Station, is joining them for the huge challenge. He says:
“Running a marathon is tough. Running one in full fire kit and BA is on another level entirely. Every mile will be a reminder of the strength, resilience, and sacrifice shown by firefighters every day.”
Every step these firefighters take will help raise life-changing funds – and you can help too: