Firefighter Mel Herbert Completes Half Marathon in Full Firefighting Kit

Following several weeks of preparation, Mel completed the 13-mile-long race wearing a firefighting tunic, trousers and a breathing apparatus (BA) set – weighing around 13lbs alone – in just under three hours.

Mel decided to take on the challenge of completing the race, which began and ended in Pembrey Country Park and included Burry Port, to raise important funds and awareness of the Fire Fighters Charity.  The Charity offers lifelong support to the mental, physical and social well-being of serving and retired Firefighters, their families and other Fire and Service Rescue personnel.

Speaking on completing the Great Welsh Half Marathon, Mel said:

“The support I received from the crowd and my fellow runners was incredible.

I’m sure the crowd could have been heard from miles away and their cheering kept me going towards the finish line, I even took out my headphones towards the end of the race to take everything in!

I’m also very grateful to my fellow crew members from Pont-iets Fire Station who have encouraged me throughout my training and who came to show their support on the day.  The event was very well organised and it was the most amazing experience that I’ll never forget.”

Mel has currently raised over £560 for the Fire Fighters Charity and is still fundraising through her JustGiving page.

Making a Difference as an On-Call Firefighter

Wanting to make a difference in her community following a family tragedy, Mel was inspired to attend a Firefighter Experience Day, held regularly by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Mel is now an On-Call Firefighter at Pont-iets Fire Station, which means she gets notified of an emergency call via a personal pager while on duty.

On being an On-Call Firefighter, Mel said:

“While I’m still in my first year as an On-Call Firefighter, I’m really enjoying my role.

I enjoy the rush of responding to an incident and being able to see that I’m making a difference in my community and of people during their time of need.  I’ve also enjoyed the training that comes as part of the role, having recently completed my cardiac arrest response training, which will enhance the Fire Station’s response capabilities.

There’s still an outdated perception that women can’t be Firefighters, but I’m proof that women can bring strength and diverse perspectives to a profession that benefits from inclusivity and teamwork.

For anyone considering becoming an On-Call Firefighter, I would urge them to just go for it – it’s been the best thing I’ve done.”

75% of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Stations are crewed entirely by On-Call Firefighters.

Like the Wholetime Duty System role, On-Call Firefighters respond to fires and special service incidents such as road traffic collisions, chemical emergencies, animal rescues, flooding and more.  They are also required to inform and educate their local communities and carry out Home Fire Safety Checks in people’s homes.

For more information on how to become an On-Call Firefighter, visit the Service’s website.