London Marathon Marathon Effort by LFB Runners and Volunteers

A (London) Marathon effort! 👏

20 LFB runners joined the iconic London Marathon on Sunday, with nearly 60,000 other runners, to take on the 26.2 mile course.

Our runners raised money for Fire Fighters Charity, Cancer Reseach UK, the 4ED (MND) Foundation; the Movember men’s health charity; and a number of local causes such as the 219 Air Cadets Squadron (Sutton and Cheam) and Chailey House residential care service for children.

We also had 60 fantastic volunteers at our water station and cheer point, situated on Poplar High Street, hydrating and encouraging those heading for the final stretch at mile 20.

Deptford, East Greenwich, Millwall and Dowgate Fire Stations were also on-hand to give support, hosting mini-open days along the route.

Station Officer Dan Ascough was inspired by retired London firefighter John Chart's positivity and strength living with motor neurone disease, so took to the course pushing John in the same wheelchair used by legendary rugby league star and MND campaigner Rob Burrow. The pair were raising money for the 4ED Foundation and the Fire Fighters Charity.

Dan said: “It was a test of endurance but John doesn't get a break from his MND, so I was sure I could endure running for a few long hours. I was so proud, honoured and privileged to cross the finish line with John and complete this marathon journey with him."

Leading Firefighter Steve Behan took on the marathon in his PPE and BA, and kept it on to run under air for 26.2 miles all in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Steve said: “It wasn't a ‘fun run’. Crossing the line in just over 7 hours, I was met by my Soho fire station colleagues which was a really nice touch. I would just like to say a massive thank you to all my support team who spent the day following me around the course to make sure everything ran smoothly. And last but not least Firefighter Katie Drewett, who was running the marathon for the first time and selflessly ran side by side with me for the duration of the 26.2 miles.”

Firefighter Hannah Weatherley also ran in her full fire service kit for the Fire Fighters Charity raising nearly £3,000, and Leading Firefighter Jack Willison ran as part of his 40th birthday bucket list.

On completing it, Jack said: “The experience was amazing. The amount of people supporting from the sidelines really helped from start to finish. I completed it in 4hrs 5 mins which I was pleased with. Thanks to everyone who donated, I’ve raised £1,245.”

There’s a story behind every marathon attempt and these are just a few from our brilliant runners, but we are so proud of everyone who went out there and pushed themselves to the limit for a great cause, to reach a goal or just to say they did it!

A huge well done to all and a big thank you to our volunteers, crews, wider staff, Events team, Fire Cadets and all who ensured we were able to provide support on this special day for London.

#LondonMarathon #FirefighterCharity #CancerResearchUK #MotorNeuroneDisease #Volunteers