A team of firefighters are set to tackle this year’s Birmingham Half Marathon while wearing full fire kit and carrying breathing apparatus, to raise funds for Fire Fighters Charity and Cure Leukaemia.
The impressive group, made up of firefighters from several local Fire and Rescue Services, will take to the city’s streets on 3 May with supporters lining the way to cheer them on.
Among them is West Midlands firefighter Adam Joyce, who has been supported by both charities through his recovery from blood cancer:
“I was diagnosed with blood cancer early in my firefighting career and was supported by Cure Leukaemia throughout my treatment. I was then invited to Jubilee House, Fire Fighters Charity’s centre in Penrith, to support me during my recovery from intensive chemotherapy, and to build-up my strength to return to firefighting fitness.
“The friendships I made there, the tools I learned and the bespoke rehabilitation I received during the stay, have remained with me and continue to help me every day. Thanks to both charities, I was able to return to work and the things I love and to flourish in my firefighting career. I can’t thank them enough.
“This challenge means a lot to all of us, for our own reasons, and we know the huge difference the funds we raise will make.
Ellie Rocks, Director of Fundraising at Fire Fighters Charity, said:
“We’re so grateful to Adam and every one of these inspirational individuals for taking on such a huge challenge in aid of us. The commitment and passion they’ve shown in the weeks leading up to it have been amazing to see and we are so grateful for their support.
“Thanks to fundraisers like this, we can continue to support members of our fire services community, from firefighters and control staff to retired colleague, their families and so many more, ensuring they can access vital care and support during and after their service.”
James McLaughlin, Cure Leukaemia Chief Executive, added:
“We are inspired to see a team of our brave local firefighters taking on the Great Birmingham Half Marathon in support of Cure Leukaemia and Fire Fighters Charity.
“Adam has been a brilliant supporter and Patron of Cure Leukaemia for a number of years, and his commitment to giving a voice to those affected by this disease is unparalleled. Through his role as the host of our ‘Let’s Talk Blood Cancer: The Patients’ Podcast’, he provides a shared experience and hope for patients and their families across the UK.
“The funds raised by the team will support the specialist research nurses and clinical trials needed in Birmingham and across the region to accelerate progress toward a cure
Every step these firefighters take will help raise life-changing funds – and you can help too by supporting them here.
If you’d like to run alongside the team on Sunday 3rd May, a limited number of spaces are available. Sign up at https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/get-involved/events/great-birmingham-run/