Grant wants to finish run in a blaze of glory
Firefighter will take on half marathon wearing full kit
A brave fireman has set himself a weighty challenge – running a charity half marathon while wearing his 23kg fighting suit.
Grant Carnachan, 33, will haul his full kit along with him as he attempts to sprint-out the gruelling distance.
The Paisley man will don his tunic, trousers, breathing apparatus and cylinders, adding an exhausting amount of extra weight to his person.
But don’t be fooled by the tough exterior, as this burly fireman has a soft heart.
Grant, who is an animal lover, is running to raise money for The Firefighters Charity and the Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue And Rehoming Centre in Cardonald.
Based at Pollock Firestation, Grant is the go-to team member sent out on animal rescue jobs, and claims he has saved a few cats stuck up trees during his 10 years in service.
Grant says he has always wanted to do something for charity, particularly for the cat and dog home, which is close to his heart.
He explained: “I got my dog from the SPCA and he passed away at a young age due to kidney disease.
“I handed all his things into the home to try and help them but I want to do more and help out as much as I can.
“My mum and step have retired and losing my dog hit them too as they helped watch him – they’ve since got a new pet from the home so it means a lot to help comfort them too.
“The Family Trust do so much hard work too – I love helping people and setting myself challenges, so I’m determined to give something back to these great local causes.”
The half marathon takes place in Glasgow in October.
In the mean time, Grant will be training in his local gym, going runs and sprinting the six miles to work in the morning from his home in Paisley.
He plans on adding a backpack and wearing heavy clothes to prepare himself for the extra weight.
He added: “Folk think I’m mad doing the half marathon in my full kit – I’ll definitely stick out like a sore thumb among the other runners.
“It can get really sweaty with it on so I only hope it’s not a scorching day.”
Grant, who plays for Renfrew FC Amateurs, will be having a quiz night on Saturday, September, 2 at Ferguslie Football Club to raise funds for his cause.
To donate to Grant’s weighty run, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/GrantCarnachan
Folk think I’m mad doing the half marathon in my full hit. I’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Grant Carnachan