Peter’s donkey work

A FIREFIGHTER attempted to beat a world record at the weekend during the London marathon. Peter Bardell, 26, of Campton near Hitchin, put on his uniform and breathing apparatus, weighing a total of around 25kg, in a bid to break a Guinness world record. B

A FIREFIGHTER attempted to beat a world record at the weekend during the London marathon.

Peter Bardell, 26, of Campton near Hitchin, put on his uniform and breathing apparatus, weighing a total of around 25kg, in a bid to break a Guinness world record. But although he beat last year's record of 7:10 by over an hour he failed to secure the title clocking 5:58.

Pete, who works for Herts Fire and Rescue, said: "I was a bit disappointed but there were about six other firefighters doing the same thing. I'm going to try again next year though and have already put my entry in."

Commenting on the atmosphere, Pete, who was raising money for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "It was something else. I have done a few events before but that was something special.

"It was a lot harder than I thought it would be - I thought I could run most of it but walked 50 per cent of it. There was a brilliant atmosphere though and it was the crowd that got me round."

So far Pete has raised £400. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/peterbardell or for more information about the charity visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk