Two on-call firefighters from Cambridgeshire will be running the London Marathon this month, wearing their fire kits, to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Littleport firefighter Tom Bridge-Street and Crew Commander Roland (Roly) Rimmer from Manea Fire Station are tackling the 26-mile run while donning their firefighting personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus, weighing around 20kg.
Both have been fundraising to support the charity, which provides vital support to serving and retired firefighters and their families and have already collectively raised more than £4,500.
Roly, who has raised just under £3,000, said: “Thanks to everyone that has supported me so far. The charity is so important and helps firefighters in their times of need.
"Emergency situations have a long-lasting effect on everybody involved, including the firefighters that put their lives on the line and experience injuries and emotions they never thought they would feel.
"The donations can help firefighters when they need it the most.”
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Both Tom and Roly are on-call firefighters who respond to emergencies in their communities around their other life commitments.
On-call firefighters are not based at a fire station, they will often have other jobs, or family duties and carry a pager and respond to emergency incidents as and when they happen
Tom said: "The charity is a crucial resource for firefighters and our families, giving us specialist lifelong support and empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social well-being throughout their lives.”
Tom has raised more than £1,600 and recently held a disco and raffle at the local ex-servicemen's club, raising more than £1,000.
Tom added: "The marathon is always something that I have wanted to tick off my bucket list, and I said to myself if I gained a place, I would run it in full kit!"
Tom and Roly will be running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23.
To donate to Tom and Roly you can visit their JustGiving pages
Tom: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-bridge-street
Roly: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roly-rimmer
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