A PAIR of firefighters smashed their fundraising targets after clips of them running the Manchester marathon in their full fire kit and breathing apparatus went viral on social media.
Ryan Jones and Andy Ball, both of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ran the gruelling 26 mile race in their 30kg kit on Sunday, October 10, raising money for Dementia UK and Alzheimers Research UK.
The pair decided on the charities after witnessing first-hand the struggle these illnesses have on family members, and the devastating impact it has on their families.
Ryan, of Hindley Fire Station, explained Dementia UK is a charity "close to home" after seeing his fiancée's Nan deteriorate from a prison officer of 30 years and an independent retiree, to needing to be in full time care.
With the two charities' fundraising revenues severely depleted by the pandemic, Ryan accepted Andy's challenge despite never running a marathon before.
Although Ryan set himself a training programme of running in weighted clothing, the 33-year-old described the race as "bloody tough".
Describing the race, Ryan said: "I ran about 16 miles but after that my legs started cramping up and I was knackered, and I started to walk and run in intervals.
"It was all worth it though, as what I was feeling can't be as bad as what people are going through with these terrible illnesses."
Spurred on by the "fantastic support" of his family, friends and spectators, Ryan finished the marathon in an impressive six hours and six minutes.
With videos of their incredible efforts going viral on social media, Ryan and Andy smashed their respective fundraising targets of £5,000 and £1,000 - raising a collective £45,000 for the two charities.
Ryan, from Hindley, said: "It's all been a bit surreal really. The support was massive and I didn't even think we would hit our target at first.
"Most people are running the marathon for charity, so it's been really special to get the reaction that we have got."
To contribute towards Ryan and Andy's fundraisers, click here and here
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