TWO Wiltshire firemen are donning their full breathing apparatus kit to tackle the London Marathon at the weekend.

Steve Taylor, based at Trowbridge station, and Jason Nightingale from HQ in Devizes, will be making their way to London in preparation for the marathon on Sunday (April 23). To make the gruelling 26 miles even more of a challenge, both men will be wearing their 12 kilogram breathing apparatus kit throughout the whole journey.

Mr Taylor, 43, said: “This isn’t the first time I have run in the kit, I have done a few half marathons whilst wearing it but this will be the first whole marathon I have done in one. I have been training with a weight vest to prepare myself.”

One of 12 people, Mr Taylor will also be raising money for Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley and has already collected £500 in pledges.

“Cancer has affected a lot of friends and family in recent years and Dorothy House do very good work with the people who have it and their friends and family. I don’t really have a target goal for the money but I will just raise as much as I can,” Mr Taylor added.

Mr Taylor will be accompanied by his colleague Mr Nightingale round the whole route of the marathon, providing support for each other.

“Well Jason had a space for the marathon and we thought it would be a good idea to have a companion for the run. I am not too worried about the weight of the suit, more about the heat so I have to make sure I stay hydrated the whole time,” said Mr Taylor.

To donate to Mr Taylor’s fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/Steve-Taylor42.