Firefighter Pete Allum to run half marathon in full kit

Pete Allum is supporting research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after being inspired by the courage shown by rugby legend Rob Burrow, who died aged 41 earlier this year.

Other recent victims of MND include a schoolfriend's mother who died just six months after being diagnosed.

Pete is a full-time firefighter based at St Mary's in Southampton but is also a retained (part-time) firefighter in Ringwood, where he is watch manager.

Rugby league star Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 and died earlier this year aged 41 (Image: PA)

He ran the London Marathon about ten years ago, finishing the 26-mile course in just under four hours.

Now, he is set to take part in the Bournemouth Half Marathon on October 13 while wearing full protective gear and breathing apparatus.

Pete, 49, will be weighed down by 30 kilograms of kit and expects to take up to three hours to complete the gruelling challenge.

He said: "I've decided to run in my firefighter's gear because I might have more of an impact. I'm hoping it will help me raise awareness of MND, which is a hideous disease.

"It's quite a hilly marathon and that might pose problems. Firefighting kit is designed to keep the heat out, but it also keeps the heat in."

Rugby league star Rob Burrow, right, and fellow player Kevin Sinfield, who helped him raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (Image: PA)

Pete is also set to raise funds at this year's Ringwood 999 Day at Carvers Recreation Ground on October 5. He aims to run from 10am to 4pm, completing 40-minute sessions punctuated by 20-minute breaks.

MND is an uncommon condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s but can strike adults of all ages.

It develops after cells in the brain and nerves gradually stop working for reasons that are not fully understood.

Pete decided to support research into MND after watching a documentary about Rob Burrow's battle with muscle-wasting disease. 

The Leeds Rhino rugby player was diagnosed in December 2019.

He and fellow player Kevin Sinfield embarked on a mission to raise funds and awareness of the disease, which affects speech and movement. Earlier this year both men were awarded CBEs.

Wellwishers have taken to social media to praise Pete's fundraising campaign.

One woman posted: "Thank you and good luck. My mum passed away prematurely from MND a year ago after a 15-month battle with the cruel disease.

"What Rob has done for recognition is inspiring. What you are now going to do is also incredibly inspiring."