Firefighters’ marathon effort for Grenfell survivors

You can support North Kensington’s fundraising efforts here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/run4grenfellg27

A group of 18 firefighters from London Fire Brigade who attended the Grenfell Tower blaze are set to run the London Marathon on 22 April in a bid to raise vital funds for groups supporting local people affected by the fire. They are also fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity, which continues to provide physical and psychological support to the firefighters who attended the blaze.

The firefighters were amongst the first to arrive on the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2017. Nine of the firefighters are from the Red Watch at North Kensington Fire Station and the other nine are from the Red Watch at Paddington Fire Station. The Paddington crew are taking part in the Marathon in full fire fighting gear, including breathing apparatus, meaning they will be wearing an extra 30kg of weight. In total there will be 53 London firefighters running the Marathon, which includes the 18 running for Grenfell.

You can support Paddington fire station’s fundraising efforts here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a21run4grenfell

London Fire Commissioner, Dany Cotton, said, “I stood alongside firefighters as the fire took hold at Grenfell Tower, so I know all too well the absolute horror they dealt with last June. It takes some courage to do what they are doing, to yet again face this tragedy and to try make some good come out of it.

“I am very proud of these firefighters who represent the true essence of what it is to be a London firefighter – grit, determination and the sheer drive to help other people in the face of adversity.

“I really hope that people support their fundraising efforts, the Grenfell community deserves all of the help and support it can get and The Fire Fighters Charity continues to provide counselling and support to our staff, many of whom were left traumatised by Grenfell.”