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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.
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
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