A Lanarkshire firefighter is to run the London Marathon to raise money for children in wheelchairs after being inspired by his sister.
Group Commander David Haggerty, 48, based at Motherwell, is running for charity Whizz Kidz, which provides wheelchairs and equipment to kids who need it to help improve their lives. He was inspired by his sister Linzie, 54, who has been a wheelchair user all her life.
Linzie has relied on access to specialist wheelchairs and equipment. David said: “Linzie’s personal experience of her difficulties and her herself are the inspiration and reason for choosing to fundraise for this charity.”
David is a seasoned marathon runner, having completed four in the past. He said: “The training this time is different. The first four times, I had no partner or children and worked four on, four off. I was also in my thirties, not nearing 50.”
David admits training for the marathon this time around has been quite different, as he is now on call. On call firefighters respond to emergencies from their homes or workplaces. They are not on duty at the fire station, but are available to respond when called or alerted by a pager.
He continued: “Being on call has meant 20 mile runs on a treadmill and that is one war of attrition, but I’ve got there and hopefully it’ll help.”
Ahead of the challenge, David has set himself a goal of completing the marathon in under four-and-a-half hours.
Donations can be made on David’s JustGiving page .
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