Atherstone firefighter Chelsie: I'm running the equivalent of five marathons this month for cause 'close to my heart'

BLAZE RUNNERS FUNDRAISING TEAM POUND THE PAVEMENTS FOR NATIONAL CHARITY

LOTS OF SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUT PLEA GOES OUT TO RESIDENTS TO GET BEHIND THE CHALLENGE

AN ATHERSTONE on-call firefighter is part of a team taking part in a challenge to run 5,000km – 3,107 miles – during July to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Chelsie Griffin is among 25 Warwickshire Fire and Rescue staff each running a total of 124 miles – that's four miles a day – as part of the Blaze Runners' fundraising team for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Chelsie, who works as a client services manager for an insurance company, has been an on-call firefighter at Atherstone fire station for just over two years.

"Four miles a day is the minimum you can run, but I have set a personal target of completing the equivalent of five marathons, so I'm doing 4.35 miles per day," explained Chelsie, who has lived in the town for four years.

"I have completed half marathons before, but I have not run for about a year – so it's great to be back out in the fresh air.

"The Fire Fighters Charity is such a great cause, as it helps not just firefighters but their families too."

Chelsie usually pounds the pavements in the mornings – unless she has been on a callout in the early hours – and enjoys taking a route alongside the canal.

The Blaze Runners come from stations across the county and the charity fundraiser has a £10,000 target.

Event organiser Crew Commander Leeanna Essex said: "Taking on a challenge of this size is huge, but I know that the team will do everything they can to complete the 5,000km.

"We have lots of support from our family and friends, but it would be great if residents could get behind the challenge.}

"We want to do everything we can to help raise funds for the charity in what has been a difficult few months for us all."

Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for community fire safety, Councillor Andy Crump, added: "Running 5,000km in one month is the equivalent to running Land's End to John o' Groats five times.

"This is clearly a mammoth task and I wish all those taking part the very best of luck."

The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social well-being throughout their lives.