On Sunday 21st September, a team of firefighters from Princes Street, Ipswich East and Stowmarket successfully tackled the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, carrying a 14 kg operational stretcher loaded with a 30 kg dummy around the entire 21 km course. They crossed the finish line in 2 hrs 53 minutes.
The challenge, which demanded stamina, strength and teamwork, was completed in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides practical, psychological and physical support to firefighters and their families, and the Stowmarket Saturday ASD Club, which offers vital support to young people with Autism and those who care for them.
The team set a target to raise £1,000 for each charity.
Those who took part included George Trott, Grant Whitehead, Ash Buxton, Genna Bird, Laura Grinsted, Jaime Cryer, Niamh Searle, Matt Shepherd, Jimmy Ho, former firefighter Tony Williams, and Jack Griffin from FlamePro, which supplies innovative firefighting training equipment and safety solutions.
Chief Fire Officer, Jon Lacey and Area Manager, Per Middleton also took on the challenge to show their support.
Commenting after the race, George Trott said:
“Carrying the stretcher for 21 km was a real test of endurance, but we worked as a team and kept each other going. The encouragement from the crowds and the support we’ve had in donations made a huge difference – knowing we were raising money for two causes that help so many people kept us moving to the finish line.”
Just a week earlier, on Saturday 13th September, Station Manager and Equipment Manager Alex Smith took on the gruelling Autumn Wolf Run in Leamington Spa – a 10k obstacle course featuring 30 muddy and demanding challenges, from climbing and crawling to wading through icy water.
Alex’s motivation came from his personal journey with the Fire Fighters Charity. After facing challenges in his family life and mental health, the charity was there for him when he needed support. These programmes gave him the tools to regain resilience, balance his wellbeing, and support his family.
“The Fire Fighters Charity was there for me when I needed support,” said Alex. “Taking part in the Wolf Run was my way of giving something back, while also showing colleagues that it’s okay to ask for help. The encouragement I’ve received from my family, colleagues, and those who donated has been incredible.”
Alex completed the course with colleagues from other fire and rescue services – Sam from North Wales, Neil from the West Midlands and Sasha from Essex.
Commenting on the fundraising activities undertaken, Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said:
“These challenges show the dedication and determination of our people – not only in their work protecting our communities, but also in going above and beyond to raise money for causes that support our fire family and local residents. I’m extremely proud of everyone who took part.”
Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Safety, added:
“It’s inspiring to see firefighters pushing themselves in these physically demanding challenges while raising vital funds for charities that make a real difference to people across our communities. Their commitment and teamwork highlight the positive impact they have beyond their day-to-day duties.”
