London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson joined firefighters and non-uniformed staff from London Fire Brigade as they limbered up for the 2008 Flora London Marathon in front of one of the capital’s iconic landmarks.
On Wednesday, 2 April, members of the Brigade’s marathon team took part in a photo call at the London Eye.
They will then hit the ground running on Sunday 13 April, knowing that if they complete the gruelling 26 mile course they will stand to raise thousands of pounds for a wide range of charities and good causes. All the Brigade’s runners will be wearing vests reminding Londoners to make sure their home has a working smoke alarm.
Many more Brigade staff will be working around the course supporting the event as marshals and by staffing the 20 mile drinks station.
Peter Cowup, Islington’s Borough Commander who co-ordinates the Brigade’s involvement with the London Marathon said: “This famous London landmark was the ideal place to mark our engagement with one of the world’s biggest and best loved sporting events. It’s fitting that staff from one of the capital’s favourite organisations are taking part – both running to raise money for charity, and to help other runners along the route.
“With thousands of people lining the streets and millions more watching on TV, it is a fantastic opportunity to get across the Brigade’s fire safety message. Throughout the day our staff will be handing out information, and banners will also be displayed along the route reminding people about the importance of having a working smoke alarm in their homes.”
Note to editors:
Londoners who would like a free home fire safety visit – where firefighters will visit their homes, look for fire risks and fit a free smoke alarm where necessary – should call 08000 28 44 28
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
