The Fire Fighter's Charity describe below why they need our help more than ever before, and I know first hand how essential their role within the Fire Service community is.

Colleagues around the country have been doing their bit to try and fill the gap in the loss of funding the charity would normally receive from now cancelled events.

It turns out that so far most of my running events for the year have been cancelled, but I'm still determined to get a marathon in somehow. That somehow is this challenge ! One of my races has turned virtual, and as the medal is completely and awesomely huge I've decided to run it for the charity.

So at some point this month, most likely Friday the 24th, I'll be running from Havant Fire Station to Marine Court, the charity's nearest rehab centre and the one that has provided so much support to me in the past.

Appropriately the cancelled race was called The Explorer, and having never travelled to Marine Court on foot before it'll certainly prove to be an interesting run. Approximately 22 miles door to door, I'll throw in a few extra to make it up to marathon distance.

Please support if you can. Any amount will be gratefully received and much appreciated. Over to the charity to explain their current predicament .....

Every year our amazing supporters, donors and fundraisers come together to raise the £10m we need to operate our services in support of the entire UK fire services community. This year, however, the coronavirus pandemic has brought our traditional fundraising to a halt, with the cancellation or postponement of countless events and challenges. Furthermore, the Charity does not meet the criteria outlined by Government in regards to grant support. In all, we estimate that we may raise only around 50% of our usual annual fundraising income this year, which means that we may have to curtail our ambitions and plans for the future, unless we can find an alternate way to raise that income. However, just as we are having to devise new ways to deliver our services and support those in need over this period, we are confident that our inspirational fundraisers can rise to the Fire Family Challenge and turn disappointment and frustration into innovation and income.