A 37-YEAR-OLD who completed the Manchester marathon in his full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus has been described as a "real life superhero" by his two young sons.
Running the gruelling 26 mile race in his 30kg kit, Andy Ball, of Dunriding Lane in St Helens, was the last person to cross the finish line in Manchester on Sunday, October 10.
Raising money for Alzheimers Research UK and Dementia UK, Andy's race was dedicated to his granddad Derek who suffers from alzheimers, as well as all the families who struggle with a loved one going through this illness.
The challenge was set with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service colleague Ryan Jones, after witnessing first-hand the devastating affect alzheimers and dementia can have on people and their families.
While he has completed a few marathons previously, Andy explained that he has increased the challenge with each race; running in 2018 with a 15kg fire jacket, followed by the full kit and then the addition of the breathing apparatus this year.
With volunteers taking the course down as he trudged on well into the night, Andy finished the race after an exhausting 7 and half hours. Nevertheless, with Andy's incredible efforts going viral on social media, the two firefighters raised more than £45,000 for the two charities - smashing the initial target of £1,000.
Andy, 37, said: "There was times where I was hurting physically, but I kept reminding myself that it's nowhere near the pain of people suffering with this disease."
Taking inspiration from sporting legends like Tyson Fury, Andy explained: "It's all about the mindset,setting a goal and keeping going. There's just no way you can give up."
With a training programme which saw him running from St Helens to Liverpool in his fire kit, as well as running with weighted vests in Evolution Fitness XL gym in St Helens, the firefighter said he even took enjoyment out of the race.
Blasting out Oasis songs from his speaker to keep himself in good spirits, Andy explained the "fantastic support" of his family, friends and spectators spurred him on to the finish line.
In a heartwarming moment, Andy's two young sons, Stanley and Charlie, met him at the end of the race where he carried them over the finish line.
To contribute towards Andy and Ryan's amazing fundraising efforts, click here and here
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