Sidmouth firefighters battle blisters in half-marathon

“Like walking on hot coals” says firefighter Shaun after blisters hamper Sidmouth duo on Great North Run

LARGE blisters, caused by steel-capped firemen’s boots, hampered two Sidmouth firefighters in their bid to run last weekend’s Great North Run in a fast time.

But Shaun Bagwell and Jack Burgess, worked through the pain barrier and completed the 13.1 mile run in just over three hours.

“We got to the four mile stage and the bottoms of our feet were like walking on hot coals,” said Shaun, 32. “It made the next nine miles excrutiating.”

But the brave duo didn’t give up.

“It stopped us from running but we walked. We were not expecting our feet to go as soon but fire boots are designed to be worn for two hours of a shout, not to do a half marathon.”

Electrician Shaun, from Tyrell Mead, and Jack, 21, a TV aerial engineer from Anstis Court, each wore 22 kilos of full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus, for the run, done by 53,000 people.

They have so far raised �700 for Children with Leukemia charity and the Firefighter’s Charity, which has supported the duo, hiring transport and paying for the fuel, so they could get to Newcastle for the run.

“We will be collecting until the end of November if any of your readers would like to make a donation,” said Shaun.

These can be put through the fire station letter box in Woolbrook Road.