LAUNCESTON’S Adam Chapman, who is also the Tri-Service Safety Officer for Bude, will run the 2018 Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, April 22.

The 24-year-old, who is also a part-time firefighter at Launceston Fire Station, will run for the Cornish charity FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust) with the aim of raising £3,000.

FLEET provide equipment to the emergency teams across Cornwall as well as a number of other things including helping with funding towards defibrillators and Adam admitted that it was an easy decision to get involved.

He said: “I signed up because of FLEET. They had a place available for someone in the emergency services to represent them at the London Marathon and it was essentially the perfect opportunity within my Tri-Service role to represent the emergency services at such a big event. There was an email sent out at work and I considered it for a couple of days and thought I’d apply. I got a reply soon after saying that you were the first response so you can have it and I’m delighted.”

Adam has been given the target of £3,000 and has already started fundraising.

He said: “I have to raise the money as part of the challenge. The charity was set up by an ex-paramedic to help communities in Cornwall and raise funds for lifesaving equipment. The money will go towards getting as many Public Access Defibrillators (PADS) as possible, like the one in Launceston Town Hall in public places. From there you’d ring the ambulance service up who’d then be able to give you a code to unlock it and start saving their life.

“To raise the £3,000 I’ve already started planning some coffee mornings in both Launceston and Bude although no dates have been confirmed yet and I’ve also set up a Just Giving page.”

Running one of the most famous races in the world is a daunting challenge, and although there’s still more than six weeks to go, Adam has thrown himself in at the deep end.

He said: “Preparations are going really well. I’ve joined Launceston Road Runners who are a great bunch of people, and they’ve drawn me up a plan.

“I go out with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays for about an hour each and I also make sure — as long as my work schedule permits — to go for a long run at the weekend, which are between 15 and 18 miles at the moment.

“I’ve also been out running with a couple of people from Launceston Fire Station and I’ve been able to keep motivated so far, which is the main thing. I’ve also got my 18-month-old cocker spaniel Libby who comes with me wherever I go and she’s great.

“I’m also running the Falmouth Half Marathon on Sunday, March 18, which will be a great opportunity to gage a running environment and race situation.”

Looking ahead to the marathon itself, Adam admits it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

He said: “I can’t wait to sample the atmosphere, everyone says its incredible, so to experience running the London Marathon and to be able to tick it off the bucket list will be brilliant.

“FLEET have also organised a hotel for me and the rest of the runners who are running for the charity, which has taken a lot of pressure off and I’m bringing my mum, my girlfriend Hanna and her mum. We’ll all go up on the FLEET coach on the Saturday and then get ready for the race.

“I’m not setting myself any personal targets, I just want to finish the race and then whatever time I get, I get.”

FLEET is close to Adam’s heart and he’s hoping for plenty of support.

He said: “It’s a really worthwhile cause and it could help save your life one day.

“They do lots of projects such as funding defibrillators in public places and Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) while they also help fund kit for the ambulance. They do a lot of good within Cornwall so any support would be great.”