Wigan firefighter will run marathon wearing full gear in fund-raising challenge

Firefighter Charlie Thompson is used to the heat – and it’s just as well when he takes on his latest gruelling fund-raising challenge.
By Matt Pennington
Published 19th Jul 2022, 04:55 GMT
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For the 36-year-old Wiganer is currently training for the London marathon, which takes place on Sunday, October 2.

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And rather than wearing shorts and a T-shirt, he will be covering the 26.2 miles while wearing his full work gear.

Charlie in his work gearCharlie in his work gear
Charlie in his work gear
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He will be carrying at extra 35 to 40kg in weight as he tackles the marathon, sapping his energy from the very start.

Charlie, who lives in Aspull, is taking on the challenge to raise money for Blood Cancer UK, a charity close to his heart since his father Hamish’s diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia around four years ago.

He said: “As I’m training in Wigan, I want people to know what I’m doing and why. I have set a target of £2,000 on my page but it would be amazing if I could raise more than that.”

Despite competing in seven marathons already, Charlie has never pushed himself like this before and his training will see him gradually building up the miles.

Charlie's father Hamish ThompsonCharlie's father Hamish Thompson
Charlie's father Hamish Thompson
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His approach to the race is to do intervals of walking, jogging and running for periods of time, rather than focusing on distance.

His previous fund-raising efforts have included walking 50 miles from Doncaster to Stockport in just 22 hours, which he also did in his full kit. He broke a Guinness world record in the process and raised more than £7,500.

Charlie, who is based at Leigh fire station, hopes for plenty of support with his latest fund-raising endeavour and will be spurred on by his father.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer that causes too many white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, to be produced, which do not work properly.

Charlie Thompson, is in training for the London Marathon in full kit, including breathing aparatus which weighs 20kg raising funds for Blood Cancer UK charity.Charlie Thompson, is in training for the London Marathon in full kit, including breathing aparatus which weighs 20kg raising funds for Blood Cancer UK charity.
Charlie Thompson, is in training for the London Marathon in full kit, including breathing aparatus which weighs 20kg raising funds for Blood Cancer UK charity.
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Over a period of time this can cause symptoms such as an increased risk of picking up infections, swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin, and unusual bleeding or swelling.

Generally seven out of 10 people will survive five or more years following being diagnosed. Treatment such as chemotherapy and targeted cancer drugs are used to manage the illness, as a cure is yet to be found.

Donations to Charlie’s appeal for Blood Cancer UK can be made at tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/charlie-thompson-813b3

Related topics:WiganLondon