A FIREFIGHTER from Royal Wootton Bassett was able to hand over more than £3,000 to Wiltshire Air Ambulance after slogging his way round the streets of the metropolis in the London Marathon.

Ian Norris, who works for Honda, ran in memory of much-loved town GP Dr Jerry Marshall, who died in 2016 from complications following surgery.

He was chosen by the charity after it won a coveted slot in the race held in April..

He had to raise a minimum of £2,500 but managed to generate a total of £3,150 when he went through the pain barrier to complete the race after sustaining an injury and contending with the hottest temperature on record.

In fact he was so chuffed with the support he was given he carried on fundraising and entered the New Swindon Half last month and raised another £569.

Ian, 43 and who works in vehicle quality at Honda said: “The amount raised is incredible. I can’t thank people enough for supporting me, they have been so generous.

"The money made from the quiz night I held for the London Marathon was massive, something I never expected.

“And the car wash I did at Royal Wootton Bassett fire station for the Swindon Half was a success too, considering it was a short notice event. Also, Honda have been very generous, donating towards the London Marathon and the Swindon Half.”

Ian, who has been part of the Bassett crew for the past 12 years, has seen at first hand the work of air ambulance medics at incidents. He described them as awe-inspiring. Their critical care skills and the speed of the helicopter could make the difference between a patient surviving or not.

He and his wife, Michelle, visited Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, to present the total of £3,719.

Ian, of Ruxley Close, says he is going to continue to raise funds for the air ambulance and he has already signed up to run the Bath Half Marathon in March 2019.

He added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the charity, raising vital funds and making people aware of the lifesaving work it does. The staff are amazing, they are like a big family and that makes it more enjoyable to support and be a part of.

"I have felt proud to have pulled on the colours of Wiltshire Air Ambulance in London and Swindon and I can’t wait for the Bath Half.”

Kenresa Stratford, events coordinator for the charity, said: “Ian’s enthusiasm for both the London Marathon and the Swindon Half Marathon has been infectious.

"We are very grateful for the support he has given the charity and the funds he has raised will help to keep our lifesaving service operational. We looking forward to welcoming Ian back to Team WAA for the Bath Half Marathon on 17 March 2019.

She urged anyone who had been inspired Ian's efforts and wanted to run for the organisation to get in touch and claim one of the available places.