A Warminster firefighter will be taking on a half marathon this weekend – running in 44lbs of fire kit as he trains to run 26 miles wearing breathing apparatus.

The Richmond half marathon on April 10, is just the first of a series of challenges being undertaken by crew manager Dan Fry in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Dan is based with Red Watch at Swindon fire station and, on April 23 he’ll be doing a treadmill half marathon at the Asda store on Orbital Shopping Park, Swindon, starting at 11am.

In October Dan takes on his first-ever marathon, in London while wearing fire kit and a breathing apparatus set.

He said: “I took part in last year’s Bristol half marathon in fire kit to raise money for the blood cancer charity DKMS, and then did the Bournemouth half a week later. It was an incredible experience, and gave me the bug to do more.

“I’d read about how the charity’s income had plummeted during the pandemic, as many fundraising events had to be cancelled. I know so many people who have benefited from the charity’s support, it just made sense to try and help them in return.”

A fire service spokesman said: “Residents in Dan’s home town of Warminster are getting used to seeing him pounding the streets in fire kit, he’s even been offered a few lifts by drivers concerned that’s he’s on duty.

"His aim is to better his half marathon personal best of two hours 28 minutes, and to raise at least £2,000.”

Donations for Dan can be made at: www.justgiving.com/FirefighterFry