Four firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are aiming to set three gruelling world records when they take part in the Ipswich Half Marathon this Sunday. And all to raise money in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research
This Sunday, Crew Manager at Bury St Edmunds fire station Paul Shattock will be in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus and is aiming to set the world record in what is a brand new category: the fastest half-marathon dressed as a firefighter with self-contained breathing apparatus and breathing air from the cylinder. Firefighters Grant Whitehead, Ashley Buxton and George Trott – all based at Ipswich East station – will also be running the 13.1 miles on September 22 in firefighting equipment.
They aim to raise £10,000 from the half-marathon in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, the welfare organisation which offers specialist and lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, and for Cancer Research.
This is in remembrance of late colleagues Michael Matthews, Trevor Bryson, and Steve Simmons, plus many others from the fire service community who have died from, or live with, the effects of cancer.
Grant and George are chasing the record for running a half-marathon while in full firefighting protective equipment and carrying breathing apparatus but not ‘under air’ – this currently stands at three hours and 10 minutes. Ashley will be in physical training kit whilst wearing a breathing apparatus set, for which the record is currently two hours and 21 minutes.
A full set of fire kit – comprising boots, protective trousers and smock, and helmet – weighs around 100lbs (45kg), while fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs around 26lbs (12kg).
Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s group manager, says: ‘They have been working so hard for this, these records are tough but with the dedication and training they have put in I am sure they can do it. This has been a real fire service effort as they have been helped every inch of the way by a dedicated support team.
‘It’s not just about the records though, the two charities are dear to the hearts of everyone involved and I would urge anyone at the half marathon who sees them to give them a cheer and perhaps make a donation.’
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, says: ‘Hats off to these firefighters, they have set themselves a phenomenal challenge and I know they will give it their best shot. I also send my best wishes to everyone else taking part in the half marathon. I hope you have a fabulous day.’
Anyone wishing to sponsor the firefighters can do so via their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/team/sfrsworldrecord. For more details about the Fire Fighters Charity go to firefighterscharity.org.uk. For more details about Cancer Research go to cancerresearchuk.org.
Featured image of Firefighters George Trott, left, Grant Whitehead, Councillor Steve Wiles, Crew Manager Paul Shattock, and Firefighter Ashley Buxton (Picture: SFRS)
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