A Sidmouth firefighter will soon fulfil a lifelong dream by running the London Marathon, but he needs your help.

As a young man running around the coast paths of his home town, Budleigh Salterton, Allan Kay, 45, had two aspirations in life, the first was to become a firefighter and enjoy a career saving lives.

The other, to run the London Marathon in a reasonable time before the age of 30.

As life carried on around him Allan's career took a different path and running became 'something for younger people to do'.

In 2014 Allan found himself joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as a retained firefighter at Sidmouth Fire Station. Allan has since become a temporary full time firefighter in Exmouth.

"Through this time I have been introduced to the Firefighter Charity and some of the people they have helped, their stories have inspired me to give something to the charity," said Allan.

"Also during this time I have started running again and have found a level of fitness I thought had long gone. I have been enjoying the challenges of running and decided to attempt my long forgotten dreams of completing the London marathon 16 years after I had hoped to complete it.

"I have an opportunity to raise money for the charity, help them continue their great work and spread the word of the great mental health work they do with firefighters and their families."

Allan is currently planning a Sports Day event in Sidmouth, as well as number of other local events, to help raise money for his chosen charity.

If you would like to sponsor Allan or find out more about the work of the Firefighter Charity, click the red button below.