Firefighter to run London Marathon in full 20kg kit

A FIREFIGHTER is to run this year’s London Marathon in his full kit for charity.

Matt Hooper, 48, from Emmer Green, will be taking part in next month’s event for Team Charlie, which raises money for children with brain tumours.

The charity was set up by Toni Ilsley, of Buckingham Drive, Emmer Green, in memory of her 13-year-old son, Charlie, who died from cancer in 2020.

Mr Hooper, a full-time firefighter based at Slough and a strength coach, decided to help after being reconnected with Mrs Ilsley.

He said: “My eldest son Max and Charlie were in the same classes at primary school and were good friends.

“However, this fundraising idea came about when we took our vizsla Lola to Charlie’s Dog Place in Sonning Common, where we spoke to Toni.

“We started chatting generally and then got on to running as Toni and I are both keen runners.

“Once or twice a year I tend to do something a bit out there in order to raise money for smaller charities and that’s when the idea was born.

“I have done Ironmans and marathons and I always think, ‘What can I do that is different to make my plans charity-worthy?’”

Last year, Mr Hooper and fellow firefighter Scott Butler cycled 1,000 miles in Uganda and Tanzania on bamboo bikes that they had made. The pair raised money for a small charity in Uganda that improves education for children.

Mr Hooper joined the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2019 after leaving his previous job.

He said: “I spent 20 years in the corporate world in things such as cyber security. It was all desk-based and I was still doing running and training in my spare time.

“I had an opportunity to leave that world behind and began to train as a strength and conditioning coach, focusing on soft tissue and muscular rehabilitation. That is now my business, LifeSport UK.

“I had a few friends in the fire service who told me how much fun the job was and that it was a good combination of teamwork and service.”

Mr Hooper ran the London Marathon for the first time last year. He said: “It was an amazing event. I have done dozens of marathons but this was the most amazing experience as the atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced.”

This year, he will be running the 26 miles in his firefighter’s kit, including a breathing apparatus cylinder strapped to his back, a helmet, heat resistant trousers and a tunic, together weighing about 20kg. He will be supported by his wife Wendy, a fellow strength coach, who runs LifeStrong Belles, a kettlebell club for women, and sons, Max, 16, and Nate, 12.

Mr Hooper said: “Because I run a lot and am a running coach, I thought it would only be right to make it that bit harder.

“I have a few mates in the fire service who have run in their kit before. My friend Scott managed it but said that it was really tough.

“I was going to run in the fire boots but friends have said that they cause so much foot damage and I have quite a few other long-distance runs planned for later in the year so that wasn’t wise.”

Mr Hooper has been training by running in some of the kit to get used to the extra weight and heat.

He said: “I am trying to gain some heat acclimatisation and prepare the body and mind for the long distance. I am focused on keeping hydrated and taking on fluids. Max is really supportive and will be cheering me on from the sidelines.

“He thinks I am a bit nuts but he has got used to it. He’s thankful that I picked Charlie’s charity.

“Team Charlie is amazing and so good at what it does. It is quite well known locally but it would be great if fundraising events like mine could help it become recognised regionally or nationally.

“Hard as my challenge may sound, I am always immediately humbled by people like Charlie and his family who preserve with bravery, positivity and stoicism through unimaginable physical and mental pain and challenges.”

Claire Brown, a trustee of Team Charlie, said: “Matt is an absolute hero in every sense — not just as a firefighter but as one of our biggest supporters.

“It’s not just the fact he’s raising money for us, but also how he’s doing it. It’s an amazing physical and mental feat.

“We’ve been watching his progress updates on social media and he’s an inspiration. We’re right behind him and have no doubt he’ll smash it. We can’t thank him enough!”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/london24-hoops-in-firekit

• Team Charlie has been chosen by his former school at its charity of the year. Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, in Surley Row, Emmer Green, will raise money through its houses, Caversham Lions, Grove Griffins, Mapledurham Dragons and Rosehill Red Kites. Charlie’s mother, Toni, said: “We are chuffed to bits that Highdown has chosen us as its charity. We look forward to hearing updates on their fundraising exploits. I am sure that somewhere Charlie is loving this.” A school spokeswoman said: “We wish to keep Team Charlie as a main charity within our house system in memory of Charlie for many years to come.”