IN what will arguably be Barrow fireman Paul Milburn's biggest ever challenge, the fitness fanatic will next week attempt to complete the London Marathon - wearing his full fire kit weighing four stone.

Paul, who lives in Askam, is raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports serving and retired firefighters and their families. He is running the marathon in memory of his friend and former colleague, Glyn Robinson, who died last August from cancer.

For the last 12 months, Barrow watch manager Paul has been pushing himself to the limit in training by preparing to run the gruelling 26.2 mile marathon.


And he will be hoping the weather is kind to him next Sunday - fire kits are designed to keep out the heat of a blaze, but this also means it prevents heat from escaping, meaning he will need to make sure he doesn't overheat.

"A lot of people think it's a bit crazy," he admitted.

"I'm going to set off running, although it'll probably be more like jogging. I think the atmosphere, the crowd and the motivation of raising money for a great cause will get me through it.

"It will be a life experience."

Paul's two daughters, Ulverston Victoria High School pupils 13-year-old Leonie and 15-year-old Georgina, as well as his wife Michelle, will be cheering him on from the sidelines.

Running alongside 50,000 others in what has become the world's biggest mass sporting event, Paul's only aim will be to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile course.

But having already raised just shy of £7,000, including a generous £1,000 donation from Ulverston accountants J F Hornby, he has every reason to be proud of his achievements, even before he crosses the starting line.

"Bearing in mind my initial target was £2,000, I'm really pleased with the outcome and am so grateful to everyone who's supported me," he said.

To donate to Paul, you can text TIGG77 followed by the amount to 70070.

Paul isn't the only local runner taking part in the London Marathon.


PC Dave Edwards running the Langdale Marathon in 2015. He will be joined by Barrow police officer Dave Edwards, raising money for the Calvert Trust, and prolific fundraiser Dan Hayes, who will be adding to the thousands he has already raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of Walney man Gordon Cooney.


Dan Hayes All three runners have JustGiving pages where donations can be made.

Paul's page is HERE .

Dan's page is HERE .

And PC Edwards' page is HERE .

The marathon will take place on Sunday with the men's mass race starting at 10am. Coverage of the event will be shown on BBC One.