Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s Chief Fire Officer has laced up his trainers and joined colleagues across the county in a series of fundraising efforts for the Fire Fighters Charity.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark Baxter, is preparing to run the London Marathon in 2026 in support of the Fire Fighters Charity – launching a ‘Chief’s Challenge’ for the service.
Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, said: “Having served in the fire service for over 30 years, I’ve seen the incredible support that the Fire Fighters Charity provides to serving and retired firefighters, as well as their families, when they’ve needed it most.
“It’s a cause that means a great deal to me and to many others in Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. That’s why I’m taking on the London Marathon to raise funds for this fantastic charity and launching a ‘Chief’s Challenge’ to encourage others to get involved in fundraising too.”
The Fire Fighters Charity provides vital physical, mental, and social support to serving and retired fire and rescue personnel and their families.
Mark has just started his training and freely admits that the challenge is well outside his comfort zone, adding:
“I enjoy the occasional run to relax and unwind but I’ve never ran a marathon before - and probably never will again! But knowing that every step is helping a cause so close to our hearts will keep me going.
“Any contribution - no matter how large or small - is hugely appreciated and goes towards a truly exceptional charity.”
Support Mark’s efforts here: Fire Fighters Charity: Mark's page
Nicky Hull, Crew Manager at Louth Fire Station is running 150 miles in just five days
Mark isn’t the only one taking on a major challenge. Nicky Hull, Crew Manager at Louth Fire Station, is preparing to run a staggering 150 miles over 5 days – taking each fire station on the east coast of Lincolnshire.
Inspired to action by Lily Harley from Louth, a bright and lively four-year-old who sadly passed away from a brain tumour, Nicky is raising funds for Fire Fighters Charity and Lily’s Rainbow Fund – which has contributed nearly £25,000 towards OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity since it was set up in 2023.
Nicky said: “Our Louth crew met Lily in 2023, and she left a huge impression on everyone at the station. Her positivity and happiness despite her illness was nothing short of inspiring.
“It’s going to be difficult, but I’ve deliberately made this a tough challenge to reflect Lily’s strength and bravery that she showed daily.”
Cheer Nicky on across his running route:
- Saturday 20 September: Starting at Kirton fire station 9am - Boston - Leverton- Wainfleet - Skegness
- Sunday 21 September: Skegness - Spilsby - Horncastle - Woodhall
- Monday 22 September: Bardney - Wragby - Binbrook
- Tuesday 23 September: Binbrook - North Somercotes - Mablethorpe
- Wednesday 24 September: Mablethorpe - Alford - Louth
Nicky’s already raised over £300 towards his £2,000 goal. Support Nicky’s incredible journey and donate here: 150 mile charity run - GiveWheel
David Richardson, Crew Manager at Lincoln South, has joined up with other emergency services to help raise funds
At the Bentley Hotel on Saturday 18 October, staff from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire Police, and East Midlands Ambulance Service will be trading their uniforms for boxing gloves.
The evening will see a series of head-to-head boxing matches from across the three emergency services, with ticket sales and fundraising efforts split between the Fire Fighters Charity, Care of Police Survivors (COPS) and the Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC).
Event organiser, and Crew Manager at Lincoln South Fire Station, David Richardson said: "We're incredibly excited to bring together our colleagues from across the emergency services for this unique event.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the camaraderie and dedication within our teams, all while raising essential funds for charities that do so much for our services."
Ringside tickets for the event have already sold out, but standard seats are still available from: https://forms.office.com/e/m7EAGcRNYe
Can’t make it? Donate to any of the service’s chosen charities at: https://www.justgiving.com/team/davidrichardson2?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL
LFR charity highlights of 2025
- Firefighters from Lincoln South helped raise over £2,000 for the Fire Fighters charity – walking 75 miles from Lincoln City Football Stadium to Bradford City Football Stadium alongside colleagues from Bradford Fire Station, in memory of the Bradford City Fire Disaster which claimed 56 lives.
- Ben Jordan, of Wragby Fire Station, and Jake Ross, of North Hykeham Fire Station, completed the Lincoln 10K in full fire kit – raising over £1,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity in the process.
- Firefighters from Boston Fire Station, completed the three peaks challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon consecutively. Leyton, Bob, Ellie, Will and Simon have raised nearly £500 with their efforts, trekking around 26 miles and climbing nearly 3,000 metres to support the Fire Fighters Charity.