A FIREFIGHTER ran from Bridgwater fire station to raise funds for the fire fighters charity in memory of fallen colleagues Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan, writes Rosie Sage.

Scott Butler joined the fire service with Martyn in 2006 and it was the memory of his ever-present smile that spurned him on when it got tough. This run was not your usual run along the highways between Bridgwater and Bicester but mostly using footpaths becoming more of an off-road challenge as well.

The run from Bridgwater to Bicester was 145 miles, first overnight stop was at Paulton with another before Bicester. He crossed the Mendips in the rain and wind, the North Wessex downs and the ridgeway in the baking sunshine and despite not being able to keep food down, he covered the miles, blisters forming and joints complaining.

He was joined by colleagues including Bridgwater watch colleague Hannah Forbes, from Hinton Blewett, for this first leg — although Hannah was cycling it was still a massive challenge.

The crew from Chew Magna went to Hinton Blewett to greet Scott and in a show of solidarity as part of the fire fighting family. Although Scott had endured some wet and windy conditions already, the cooling water from the fire engine was most welcome.

While Scott was running from Bridgwater former colleagues cycled from Glasgow, 400 miles, and Great Yarmouth, 170 miles – destination for all Bicester. This is where Jennie and Martyn were stationed. The team arrived at Bicester at the same time, quite a logistical achievement, were all greeted warmly at Bicester by the Oxfordshire Fire Service, with friends and Martyn’s wife, Charlie, who Scott describes as an extraordinary woman full of heart and strength.

The athletes exchanged flags from each of the fire services, signed by the respective fire chiefs with words of support to the firefighting community.