Local firefighters aim for world records in Ipswich Half Marathon charity challenge

Why it matters: The firefighters aim to raise £10,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research UK, honouring colleagues who have died from or are living with cancer.

Key details:

• Crew Manager Paul Shattock of the Bury St Edmunds station will run in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus, aiming to set a record in a new category.

• Firefighters Grant Whitehead and George Trott of the Ipswich East station are targeting the record for running a half-marathon in full firefighting kit with breathing apparatus, currently 3 hours 10 minutes.

• Firefighter Ashley Buxton, also of the Ipswich East station, will run in a physical training kit with a breathing apparatus, aiming to beat the current record of 2 hours and 21 minutes.

By the numbers:

• Full firefighting kit weighs around 45kg (100lbs)

• Fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs about 12kg (26lbs)

What they're saying: Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue's group manager: "They have been working so hard for this, these records are tough but with the dedication and training they have put in I am sure they can do it."

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public protection: "Hats off to these firefighters, they have set themselves a phenomenal challenge and I know they will give it their best shot."

How to help: Donations can be made via the team's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/team/sfrsworldrecord