Four firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are set and raring to go by breaking three grueling world records when they take part in the Ipswich Half Marathon.
Crew Manager Paul Shattock, and Firefighters Grant Whitehead, Ashley Buxton, and George Trott will be running the 13.1 miles on September 22 in firefighting equipment.
Paul Shattock
Paul is a Crew Manager at Bury St Edmunds fire station and Grant, Ashley, and George are all based at Ipswich East station. They aim to raise £10,000 from the half-marathon in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, the welfare organization 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.
protective equipment and breathing apparatus
Grant and George are chasing the record for running a half-marathon while in full firefighting protective equipment
Paul will be in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus and aims to set the 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.
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 Buxton
Ashley will be in a physical training kit while 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 100 lbs (45kg), while a fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs around 26 lbs (12kg).
Real fire service effort
Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s group manager, Sally Hammond, said, “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.”
phenomenal challenge
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said, “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.”
