Cambridgeshire firefighter to carry 20kg kit in first London Marathon
Tom Bridge-Street will take on the feat this weekend
A Cambridgeshire firefighter says he is starting to become “more terrified” ahead of running his first London Marathon carrying a 20kg protective kit.
Tom Bridge-Street of Littleport Fire Station will take on the 26-mile course today Sunday while wearing personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus.
He has so far raised more than £1,500 for The Fire Fighters Charity and will be joined along the route by Roly Rimmer, of Manea Fire Station, who will also don his safety kit.
“The closer we get to the marathon, I’m starting to feel more terrified,” said Tom.
“But I’m hoping to enjoy the experience.”
Tom, an on-call firefighter, is a keen runner and has always had an eye to one day take part in the international event.
Having already raised his target, he wants to complete the course in five to six hours.
And although his chances of winning the London Marathon are slim, Tom wants to challenge himself in a different way.
“I’m never going to win the London Marathon, so I thought I could run in kit, raise some money and soak in the atmosphere and try to enjoy the experience,” said Tom.
“It’s that sense of pride and achievement of saying ‘I’ve done that’, but done it in this kit and raised money for a worthy cause.
“That’s the spurring on I’m using to keep myself going.”
Meanwhile, Roly has raised more than £3,000 for the same charity that Tom has helped so far.
Writing on his fundraising page, Roly said: “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.
“Your donation can help firefighters when they need it the most.”
To donate, visit Tom’s fundraising page at: Tom Bridge-Street is fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity (justgiving.com) or Roly’s page at: Roly Rimmer is fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity (justgiving.com).