A London firefighter is gearing up to tackle this year’s London Marathon while wearing full fire kit, breathing apparatus and mask.
Steve Moore will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by completing the marathon ‘under air’ – wearing full breathing apparatus and switching cylinders 12 times during the 26.2-mile route.
He’ll be supported by a team of fellow firefighters from Edmonton Technical Rescue Station, with 13 sets of breathing apparatus needed to complete the feat.
Steve, who suffered a spinal injury in a mountain biking accident 14 years ago, says we played a crucial role in his recovery.
He said: “I visited Harcombe House after tearing two discs in my spine. More recently, members of my family have also benefited from the charity’s support. The help they offer is absolutely incredible. We’re so lucky to have access to these services – they truly are invaluable.”
It’s not the first time Steve has organised an epic fundraiser for us, and last year he ran 300 miles around all 102 fire stations In London – raising more than £2,500 to be split between us and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.
Louise Furneaux, our Regional Fundraiser, said: “This is a remarkable challenge by Steve and I send my sincere thanks and good luck to him for the day.
“Supporters like Steve make such an incredible difference, and we couldn’t continue to offer our support to fire service personnel and their families across the UK without them.”
To support Steve’s fundraiser, click here:
Joining Steve on the day are Chris O’Shea, based at Foleshill Fire Station in the West Midlands, and Kirsty Prowse, from Greenbank Fire Station in Devon. Both will run in full fire kit – carrying breathing apparatus – adding an extra 30kg each to the already gruelling challenge.
Chris adds:
“This job can be unpredictable in so many ways. After a tough year for my Fire and Rescue Service, I wanted to give back. I’m running to show my support for friends, colleagues and a charity that is indispensable to our community. I hope to have a long and healthy career in the fire service – it’s reassuring to know they’ll always be there for me, my colleagues, and our families.”
For Kirsty, the challenge is deeply personal too:
“This is the perfect opportunity to fundraise for Fire Fighters Charity and give back to a charity that does so much for serving and retired firefighters. We put our lives on the line every day, and the support this charity offers is vital. Running in full kit will be an extremely tough challenge but this is a cause those truly close to my heart.”
Every step these firefighters take will help raise life-changing funds – and you can help too: