Hi there

We are three guys from Lincs Fire and Rescue, and we are running as part of The Fire Fighters Charity team in the New York marathon on 2nd November 2008.

Fire Fighter Stephen Bland

I am 35yrs old.  I work at RAF Wittering on the GR7 Harrier Simulator. In September 2002 I joined Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue as a retained Fire fighter. I also continue to work at RAF Wittering as a Simulator technician for Babcock Defence services on the GR7 and GR9 Harrier Simulators. I am unmarried with no children and I cycle to work to keep fit and usually run about 25 to 30 miles a week.

Fire Fighter James Coddington

I’m 30 years old and am a retained fire fighter at Stamford, Lincs. I’ve always wanted to be a Fire Fighter but because of lack of whole time places available I am retained and have another job.  I respond to my pager when I’m needed, last year we had around 460 call outs.  Lincs Fire and Rescue helped me become a different person, nothing compares to the excitement and the sense of well-being whilst helping others.  Hopefully I can continue to give my services to Lincs F&R and continue fundraising to help others.

Fire Fighter Steve Lilley

I’m facing a huge challenge as I gear up to run the New York Marathon 2008.  I am 29, married with a daughter of 14 months, and I build yachts for Fairline Boats.  I’m also a retained fire fighter for Lincs Fire and Rescue. On the 2 November I’ll be running 26.2 miles to fundraise for The Fire Fighters Charity.  I’ve never run long distances, normally I weight train locally, but now I’m running in the evenings after work and whilst being on call with the Fire Service.  The hard work will be worthwhile if we succeed in raising £6000 for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Thanks in advance for your support and help us to make a difference to many serving and retired fire service personnel.

Thanks and best wishes from Steve,James and Stephen - D10 Stamford