Hartlepool firefighter running 19 miles in full kit after being inspired by Captain Tom

Liam Lewis is to take on the gruelling course to raise money for mental health charity Minds For Men, which is a new branch of the Hartlepool charity Miles For Men.

The issue of mental health has become more acute since lockdown was introduced.

The course distance has been set because of Covid-19, which ties in with Liam’s efforts. On Saturday, May 2, at 10am he sets off from North Tees Hospital in Stockton, then on through Norton before completing the run at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

He will be wearing his firefighter tunic, leggings, helmet and flash hood. The weather is not expected to be too hot.

Liam, 31, had initially set a fundraising target figure of £500, but has already raised over £1,700. Some of the cash has come from local businesses sponsoring the tunic he will wear on the run.

He said: “It’s all tied in together. With this lockdown we’ve seen a rise in mental health issues and I’m wearing all the PPE in honour of NHS staff.

“I haven’t got a target time. It will just be good to get round. I’m not a runner as such, so this is a bit different for me. The most I’ve run before is 13 miles, but that was in the Great North Run about 10 years ago.

“But I’m into fitness. Body building in the gym. I haven’t had a lot of time to prepare, but I’ve also ran 11 miles in training, so I’m confident I’ll get through it.

“The people from Miles For Men will be looking out for me, with water and bananas and whatever they can do to help.

“A lot of the inspiration has come from Captain Tom Moore and what he’s achieved at 99. I’m physically fit and a young man.

“Hopefully this will never happen again and it will be good to look back in 10 years time and say that I did something.”

To support Liam’s efforts visit his Facebook page.

Click here for details of Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday celebrations.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.  But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.