Firefighters to take on London Marathon in full kit in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity

FIREFIGHTERS from across the UK will take on this year’s London Marathon in full fire kit – while another woman from the US is dressing as a fire engine – all in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Stuart Tomlin, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Miles Drobny, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and Ryan Frost, from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, are three of those taking on the run in heavy fire kit, to raise awareness of the incredible work of firefighters every day, and the support available to them through the charity.

Meanwhile, Emma Whatley from the US is flying over to take part dressed as a fire engine, in the hope of beating the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed in a road vehicle. She volunteers at St. Louis First Responder Canteen, which provides canteen support during fire incidents and hopes to become a volunteer firefighter in the near future.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports serving and retired fire and rescue service personnel, their dependants and other eligible members of the UK fire services community, throughout their lives, helping them to live happier and healthier.

Stuart, who’s based at Rewley Road Fire Station in Oxford, said:

“In my short career, I have seen friends and colleagues suffer from injuries, illness and mental health, some of which are the effects of what they have exposed themselves to just to help someone in their greatest hour of need.

“The Fire Fighters Charity is a fantastic organisation that is there to help us in our hour of need so I would like to show some support and help raise awareness by running this year’s London Marathon in fire kit!”

Miles, who works on-call based in Clitheroe, adds his own reasons for taking part:

“I’ve chosen to participate in full fire kit and a BA set for The Fire Fighters Charity as I’ve had close friends affected by traumatic incidents and understand the importance of the support they provide within the service, should it need to be accessed

“I’ve previously been knocked mentally after attending traumatic incidents and knowing there is support from the Charity should we need it, puts my mind at ease.”

Ryan, who’s based at Brentwood Station in Essex, said:

“I’m running for the charity to raise awareness to others – to spread the good work that’s carried out by the Charity. Although I hope to have a long trouble-free career, it’s lovely knowing the support that’s on offer should I ever need it in the future.”

And Emma adds of her run dressed as a fire engine:

“I am so proud to be running in support of The Fire Fighters Charity. By supporting this incredible organisation, we can make a real difference in the lives of our brave first responders.”

To see more of those running in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity this year, click here.

With The Fire Fighters Charity relying almost entirely on donations to fund its vital work, none of the support offered to fire service personnel and their families would be possible without the generosity of its supporters. You can support members of the UK’s fire services community by donating now at: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/donate.

• You can support Stuart’s fundraising here.
• You can support Miles’ fundraising here.
• You can support Ryan’s fundraising here.
• You can support Emma’s fundraising here.