Running 26.2 miles is no small feat – but there are almost 50 people set to do it in aid of us as part of this year’s TCS London Marathon.
Another group of incredible runners are preparing to take on the challenge in our capital on 23 April, with some taking it on in fire kit, others running side by side with friends and family and more taking part for powerful and very personal reasons.
Here we hear from all of those running in aid of our Charity this year…
Alex Abrams
Alex has chosen to support us in memory of her dad, Darren, who was a firefighter with West Yorkshire FRS. He sadly passed away suddenly last year.
She says: “My dad is and always will be my biggest inspiration. He and his colleagues are real life heroes and it makes me so proud to say that he is and always will be a firefighter who saved so many people.
“To be able to run the London Marathon in April is something I could only have ever imagined, but to be able to do it for my Dad, and for a charity that means a lot to him and us as a family is something that will be very special to me forever. Then a few weeks later, run the Leeds Marathon, in the city that my Dad was born and raised in, and spent his whole life serving in, means more to me than anything in life.”
Paul Yates
Paul lost a family member who was in the fire service and is running the marathon in his memory.
He says: “My partner’s brother, firefighter Andrew Moore, took his own life whilst on duty in 2020. He was an exceptional athlete so for the past two years I have raised funds for charity inspired by Andy and in his memory. I have previously completed the 3 peaks challenge cycling between the mountains and The Lakes Ultra Marathon.”
Ross Allen and Ricky Wells
Ross left his position as a firefighter with Kent FRS 6-7 years ago, but has remained closely connected to the service since through his best friend’s family.
Ricky, meanwhile, has heard about our support through Ross and will run the marathon in aid of us, by his side.
Ross says: “In 2019, my best friend Paul was assaulted and is now having to be cared for, for the rest of his life. The charity were a huge support to us all at the time but especially to Paul’s fiance Helen and their children.
“The charity continue to support Helen and the kids and I promised Paul I would also do my best to make sure they are all ok. By running this marathon and raising these funds, it helps Helen and the kids receive the charity’s continued support, so they are able to live as normal a life possible. Its my promise to Paul.”
James Brown and Matt Jones
James and Matt are firefighters with Cornwall FRS.
James says: “I want to run for The Fire Fighters Charity as it is a charity that I have a close connection with. Personally, I have taken on previous challenges such as 24 hours of fitness and a 100km ultra marathon to raise money.
“The London Marathon is an event that I would like to complete, whilst raising money for a charity that is there to help me when I ever I may need them. I would also like to add a twist onto the event by completing it in full fire kit and possibly a BA Set.”
And Matt adds: “I’m wanting to run the marathon for the Charity with full firefighter kit. I like all that the charity stands for and how they help all serving staff and their families. After leaving the royal marines and doing a lot for their charity, I find I want to do more to help my fellow colleagues when they are in their time of need.”
Jack Gaskell
Jack is a firefighter with Greater Manchester FRS.
He says: “Having previously used the Charity in the past and knowing first hand how amazing the organisation is and brilliant work you do, I’d like to give back so you can continue to help others. Unfortunately I’m currently going through a tough time and this will give me something to focus on.”
Ross Turner
Ross, who’s a firefighter with Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS, says: “I want to support the charity as it does so much for past and present firefighters and their families. Everything you do it greatly appreciated and you really care about your firefighters. I want to run for the charity to raise money to help more firefighters/service staff and their families in the best possible way every day.”
Joanne Bevan
Joanne has had a close connection to the fire service throughout her life, as her dad, Allan Birch, was a firefighter for 27 years in South Wales.
She says: “I’m running in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity as this is one of the charities my dad supported and was close to his heart.
“We suddenly lost my dad on the 23rd June 2022. He was a firefighter in Newport South Wales for 27 years, helping to save lives and support colleagues that he worked with and I would love to carry on his good work by helping raise money for those putting their lives on the line to save others.
“Also, I wanted to set a challenge for myself that would take me massively out of my comfort zone and would be a massive life time achievement.”
Rob Brown
Rob is a firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire FRS, while his dad was also an on-call firefighter before him.
He says: “I’m running to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity as I see first-hand the great work they do, as I have various crew members who have used their facilities as required. Also, my dad used it a few years ago when he required rehabilitation from a serious cycle accident injury.”
Mark Pearce
Mark has been a firefighter for 16 years with Staffordshire FRS, but is currently doing a temporary role as Fitness Advisor.
He says: “I’m running the marathon for a couple of reasons. I lost both my parents within the last 18 months, so having a challenge to focus on and give something back to help families going through similar things will be amazing.
“Also, I’ve just turned 40 so running a marathon has always been on my bucket list. It’s great to be able to tick it off before it gets harder and harder.”
Paul Reddish
Paul is a Group Manager in Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS.
He says: “Following knee surgery in 2019, the programme of physiotherapy offered by The Fire Fighters Charity got me back to work in quick time. I have also had the need to access the Charity’s mental health programmes and as I approach retirement I would like to give something back to this fantastic charity.”
Roly Rimmer
Roly works as a Crew Commander with Cambridgeshire FRS, alongside a role as a firefighter.
He says: “I am running the marathon in full firefighting PPE in support of all firefighters and their families. I have not received any support from the charity but have friends that have done over the years and the charity does a fantastic job.
“After 18 years in the fire service, I have seen the effects of the job on many colleagues and also the challenges faced by members of the service following retirement and/or injuries. It is not only the firefighters that are affected, it is the families and friends that have the reality of the firefighters’ mental and physical illnesses and injuries. I want to do my small bit in contributing towards helping those in need and providing hope, support and comfort.
“This is my small thank you and hope that it may long continue to care for and support those in need.”
Ian Webb
Ian is a firefighter with Bedfordshire FRS.
He says: “My father was a firefighter for 30+ years and I have always wanted the opportunity to join which only came about four years ago.
“I absolutely love being a retained firefighter and working in my local community. I have had a troublesome time recently following a fatal RTC and received amazing support from my fellow crew members and local mental health team. Knowing that the charity was also available if needed was a great comfort to myself and my family. I understand how important it is that we provide as much support as possible for all fire personnel.”
Katie Wood and Harry Welsh
Katie is a firefighter with Gloucestershire FRS and will be running with her brother, Harry.
Katie says: “Firefighters and the fire & rescue service in the UK are so fortunate to have such amazing resources available to us. We see and are involved with some horrific jobs, put our lives at risk regularly and it’s reassuring to know that coming out of any job there are people there to help if and when we need it.
“Many of my colleagues in the service have used you (I’m fortunate enough to say I haven’t yet needed to), and are always raving about how much you’ve helped them. I interview new recruits and making them aware of your resources is one of the things I do because, outside of the FRS, people aren’t always aware of who you are or why you exist, and it’s something to shout about.
“I love being a firefighter and hope that if I ever need to use the Charity that you will enable me to continue doing what I love until retirement.”
Meanwhile, Harry says: “It gives me some comfort knowing that whatever job Katie goes out on, if anything were to go wrong or have lasting effects that there’s a resource out there that will support her in whatever shape or form she needs. I think firefighters deserve and are incredibly fortunate to have the charity by their side.
“I live and work in Katie’s hometown in the North East and work for MAN in Stockton. Although Katie is my direct and most important connection to the FRS, I also come into contact with the North Eastern FRS’s given I’m responsible for servicing and maintaining their vehicles. It’s a great way for me to give back for a cause helping people who risk their lives for others daily, and it’s something I could never do myself.”
Jordan Smith
Jordan is a firefighter with Gloucestershire FRS.
He says: “As a working firefighter I take comfort in the knowledge that the FFC is there for me, my family and my colleges if we ever need it. I believe in the organisation and appreciate the effort they put in to help fire service staff.”
Alex Daniels
Alex is a Digital Communications Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
He says: “Firefighting is a dangerous and demanding job that can take its toll on anyone. By helping to fund and spread awareness of The Fire Fighters Charity, I hope I can enable it to keep helping our firefighters every day.
“But the charity it’s not just for operational staff. Supporting officers and their families can also receive help from the charity, making it invaluable to the whole fire family. Although I lucky enough to not have needed the charity’s services personally, I know many people at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service whose lives are all the better thanks to its existence.
“I have also met several wonderful people who work tirelessly for the charity, supporting our firefighters along with thousands of others right across the country.
“I know that times are hard right now and many of us are struggling with money. However, if you could spare even a small donation to this amazing cause it would be hugely appreciated. You keep donating, and I’ll keep running!”
Freddie Amos
Freddie is a development firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire FRS.
He says: “I’m running to support the charity which does great work to support firefighters and communities.
“I am hugely inspired by the service men and women I work alongside and if I can help at all by fundraising then that is something I would really love to be a part of. I see every day my colleagues making huge sacrifices to support their community and they deserve my support.”
Nick Saxton
Nick is a community psychiatric nurse and has felt a close connection to our fire service community for several years through playing ice hockey – having trained regularly with the UKFF team, which consists of firefighters from throughout the UK.
He says: “Due to my role, I have never received support from your organisation but after sitting down with the people I have got to know through spending time with the UKFF ice hockey team, I have listened to the demands on them mentally and physically and believe they require the support for their mental and physical well-being your organisation can provide.”
Barry Mellor
Barry is a Crew Commander with Hertfordshire FRS.
He says: “I’m running the marathon for FFC as I have witnessed a few colleagues and friends use their facilities for both physical injuries and mental health. It’s fundamental that people raise as much as they can, so this service can remain available should it be needed.”
“Whether physical injuries or mental health, it’s clear that the level of commitment and professionalism shown is second to none, by the way they return to work and the high praise spoken. I am committed to raising as many funds as I possibly can for an organisation and charity that is close to thousands of people.
“The Fire Fighters Charity do so much for operational and non operational fire service staff and their nearest and dearest, that I couldn’t consider raising money for anyone else. I am a Charity Representative for my station, and it would mean a great deal to me, to be able to do what I can.”
Tom Edwards
Tom is a firefighter with Hertfordshire FRS.
He says: “As a serving operational firefighter I have seen the great work The Fire Fighters Charity has done with colleagues of mine for both mental and physical injuries and although I am lucky enough to not have needed to service so far, I want to be part of making sure the service is still available for many years to come for myself and my colleagues if needed.
“With an increased retirement age and an increase in the amount of firefighters suffering from mental and physical injuries, the charity is more important than ever for firefighters in need.”
Luke Bell
Luke is a firefighter with London Fire Brigade.
He says: “I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for a very long time and it would give me the greatest pleasure doing so for a charity close to my heart – I have many friends and colleagues that have used the invaluable service this charity provides.”
Matt Pendlebury
Matt is a firefighter with Lancashire FRS and ran the marathon last year for us too.
He says: “Having run the London Marathon for the Charity in 2021, I felt so lucky to be selected and given a place – the experience was one of the best in my life and since this I have become even more involved in fundraising for the charity.
“Having run the marathon with Paul Weller, who was fully supported by the charity, I saw first hand what amazing work the charity does. This moved me and has inspired me to up my efforts. 2023 will be my 20th year in the fire service, my 40th birthday and 80 years of the Fire Fighters Charity – what better way to celebrate?
“I have lost four stone so far in an effort to beat my time from the last time I ran the marathon – and I’ll hopefully raise even more money for the charity than I did last time too!”
Andy Piller
Andy is a Group Manager with West Sussex FRS.
He says: “I have run a number of marathons (in excess of 50) but the opportunity to run for the FFC was something I have always wanted to do and feel honoured and privileged to represent them.”
Katie Grant
Katie has worked for Cambridgeshire FRS in control for five years.
She says: “I was meant to run the London Marathon in April 2020, but Covid hit meaning my year got moved to 2023.
“Originally when I was meant to do the marathon I was just really aware of what The Fire Fighters Charity did, but during the lockdowns I unfortunately suffered a miscarriage and the Charity supported me with counselling to help me get through and process everything, meaning I was able to carry on. So I feel even more strongly now to support them as a thank you for their help.”
Ryan Jones
Ryan is an on-call firefighter with Gloucestershire FRS.
He says: “You ask anyone that knows me well, the passion I have for the job is second to none. Only those who are in the Service can relate to the adrenaline rush when that pager goes off at stupid o’clock in the morning! Forget making plans with loved ones. Those children’s birthdays, nope forget it. Christmas lunch… don’t even bother. As soon as you sit down it’s going off again.
“Believe it or not, we don’t just do it for the uniform and to ride the big red truck. We do it because we want to help people. The question is though, who is there to help us, the Fire Service when things go wrong? That’s when The Fire Fighters Charity step in.
“It might not be now, it might not be 6 months, it might not even be 5 years but eventually it will catch up with you and that’s when we need someone to turn too. The Fire Fighters Charity support this.”
Meanwhile, we have some incredible runners who have chosen to support us with their own place in the marathon this year. They include:
