Homerton firefighter’s marathon effort carrying heavy kit

He is used to heavy equipment and having to cope with the heat of infernos but Hackney firefighter David Marshall decided to wear his weighty uniform rather than a T shirt and running shorts whilst completing the London Marathon.

With temperatures in the 20s the firefighter from the Green watch at Homerton fire station completed the gruelling race whilst carrying breathing apparatus which comes in at a hefty 12 kg as well as wearing his heavy firefighting uniform which weighs about 3kg.

Just before the 26 mile event the 36-year-old tore his calf muscle so had to walk the course instead of running it.

Mr Marshall who lives in Upminster in Essex raised money for Sands, a charity helping people overcome the trauma of losing their baby during pregnancy or after birth.

He said: “I chose Sands as I’m lucky enough to have a 19-month-old son but I know friends and family who have suffered heartache trying to conceive and the charity really helps those couples cope with the stress.”

He added: “I tore my calf muscle shortly before the race but still wanted to continue so I decided to walk it instead. It was very warm, especially given what I was wearing and that I was also carrying a full breathing apparatus kit on my back.

“It was a great experience - the crowd gave me some fantastic support. I managed to complete the race in six hours and 27 minutes, which I’m pleased with, given my injury, the heat and the weight I was carrying on my back. I’m definitely hoping to do the Marathon again next year and will be wearing firefighting uniform again too!”

He has raised �1,183 for Sands and is hoping to raise up to �2000 via his Virgin Money Giving page.