Hi, I'm David and I have been a firefighter with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service since 2006, a marathon runner since 2012, and now (finally!) a London Marathon entrant for 2026, running in support of The Fire Fighters Charity.

This isn’t just another race for me and this isn’t just another charity. It’s personal.

In 2022, I suffered a serious back injury that took me off the run, out of work, and away from the job I love. It was a difficult time physically, mentally and emotionally. But The Fire Fighters Charity stepped in when I needed them most. I was given a place at their rehabilitation centre in Littlehampton, where their team quite literally helped me get back on my feet. The care and support I received during that time didn’t just help me recover — it helped me return to operational duties and even run another marathon just a year later.

That experience changed my life. Now, I want to give something back.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports thousands of firefighters, control staff, and their families through injury, illness, and mental health challenges. They do so much behind the scenes — and they rely on fundraising to do it.

I’m aiming to raise £2250 and every single pound will go to a charity that helps firefighters like me recover, rebuild, and return to the work we care about.

If you can donate, thank you.

If you can share this page — thank you.

If you’re reading this and cheering from afar, thank you too.

I’ll be documenting the highs and lows of training over the next few months and I’ll carry your support with me every step of the 26.2 miles.

Thank you so much,

David