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Local firefighters aim for world records in Ipswich Half Marathon charity challenge

News

Four Suffolk firefighters are set to attempt three world records at the Ipswich Half Marathon on September 22nd, raising money for charity while running in full firefighting gear.

Why it matters: The firefighters aim to raise £10,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research UK, honouring colleagues who have died from or are living with cancer.

Firefighters George Trott, left, Grant Whitehead, Councillor Steve Wiles, Crew Manager Paul Shattock, and Firefighter Ashley Buxton
Firefighters Ashley Buxton, left, George Trott, Councillor Steve Wiles, Firefighter Grant Whitehead, and Crew Manager Paul ShattockSFRS

Key details:

  • Crew Manager Paul Shattock of the Bury St Edmunds station will run in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus, aiming to set a record in a new category.

  • Firefighters Grant Whitehead and George Trott of the Ipswich East station are targeting the record for running a half-marathon in full firefighting kit with breathing apparatus, currently 3 hours 10 minutes.

  • Firefighter Ashley Buxton, also of the Ipswich East station, will run in a physical training kit with a breathing apparatus, aiming to beat the current record of 2 hours and 21 minutes.

By the numbers:

  • Full firefighting kit weighs around 45kg (100lbs)

  • Fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs about 12kg (26lbs)

What they're saying: Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue's group manager: "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."

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public protection: "Hats off to these firefighters, they have set themselves a phenomenal challenge and I know they will give it their best shot."

How to help: Donations can be made via the team's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/team/sfrsworldrecord

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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