GMFRS firefighters start training for gruelling Manchester Marathon challenge in full fire kit

GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) firefighters are gearing up to run the Manchester Marathon while wearing a full fire kit to raise money for charity.

Andy Ball and Ryan Jones from Hindley Fire Station will be taking part in the marathon on Sunday 10 October to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and Dementia UK. Andy and Ryan decided to take on the challenge as both of their families have been affected by Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel joined the pair for a training session on Thursday 12 August. The trio ran the 6.6 miles distance from Hindley to Atherton station and back, while wearing their fire gear.

On the day of the marathon, Andy and Ryan will be donning a full fire kit, including heavy breathing apparatus, while running the gruelling 26 miles through Manchester’s streets.

CFO Russel said: “When I heard Andy and Ryan were going to be running the Manchester Marathon for such an important cause I wanted to show my support while they begin their training.

“It’s going to be quite a challenge while wearing our GMFRS kit. We’re urging members of the public to please donate what they can and to please show their support in October.”

Firefighter Ryan Jones, 33, said: “Both myself and Andy have personally been affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s and we wanted to do something to raise as much as possible to support research into the disease.”

Crew Manager Andy Ball, 36,  said: “We’re really looking forward to participating in the marathon, although we need to get used to running the miles while in our fire kits. It’s going to be a fantastic day and we hope to see lots of people cheering us on.”

13/08/2021 12:08 PM