Firefighter to run two marathons in one week for charity

Firefighter Stuart Brown with Watch Manager Andy Dorosz, Michael Howe and Liam Kelly

Stuart Brown, from Syke, will be completing two marathons in one week to raise money for the Fire Fighters charity and Sense UK.

Stuart, who is a firefighter, will be completing the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday 6 April and the London Marathon on Sunday 13 April.

He said: “I decided to do two marathons as a challenge for myself. I have only been running for a few years and did two marathons last year. I am coming up to 53 years old so it is a bit late to start a running career but I am doing it mainly for the challenge.”

Money raised by Stuart will be split between his two chosen charities. His first charity, the Fire Fighters' Charity, provides services to enhance the quality of life for serving or retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families. His second charity, Sense UK, is a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf and blind.

Stuart said: “I am a firefighter so wanted to do it for the Fire Fighter's charity but then I heard about Sense UK and thought it was a good cause and a worthwhile charity as well.”

Originally Stuart planned to raise £1,500 but once he decided on two charities to raise money for, he doubled his fundraising amount to £3,000. “Because I wanted an even split between the two charities, I doubled the amount and it has already gone above £3,000. The support from people has been amazing,” said Stuart.

Stuart, who is also part of Royton Road Runners, has begun training for the marathons. His training includes building up his distance, core strength exercises and a healthy diet.

Stuart recently suffered from a foot injury which put training on hold. He said: “I had a foot injury about three weeks ago so it was touch and go as to whether or not I could actually do the marathons but it is ok now and I am really looking forward to it.”

As well as the marathons, Stuart has been raising money through collections at local supermarkets within Rochdale and Oldham. Stuart will be in Morrisons, Rochdale on Friday 28 March and Saturday 29 March all day raising money for his chosen charities.

Anyone wishing to donate money to Stuart and his chosen charities can do so by visiting:

www.virginmoneygiving.com/stuartscharityruns