A FIGHTING fit fireman is gearing up to go 26 miles, in full fire kit, for charity and now needs extra support to hit his fundraising target. Paul Bartlett, a 43-year-old retained firefighter from Chagford, will be running the London Marathon this Sunday to raise money for a children's charity. And to add extra weight to the proceedings, Paul will run the gruelling event in full fire kit, including helmet, boots and a breathing apparatus cylinder. He is aiming to beat the fastest time set by a firefighter in full kit — 7 hours and 10 minutes . Paul said: 'I will be pushing my body to its limit. It's going to be hard, hot and tough but with your support I can make it. 'The record for the fastest marathon in full fire kit is held by firefighter Gary Speakman of Stretford. Well done to him. I'm intending to beat the record this year. 'I'm aiming for five hours, that might be a bit of a challenge but you have to be optimistic. Hopefully, it'll rain so it won't be too hot and I'll manage to make it around, never mind whether it's in one piece!' Paul was recently given another challenge to overcome when he found out that a firefighter from Plymouth will also be running the marathon and, like him, aiming to beat the record. After consulting with the fire crew at Chagford, Paul selected the Frenchay After Burns Children's Club as his charity. The FAB Club, based in Bristol, is the only burns unit in the South West. It supports children who have been physically and mentally damaged by fires, allows them to come to terms with their injuries and helps them to grow into happy and fulfilled adults. To help in his quest to raise as much money as possibly and beat the current record, Paul has been training with 10kg bags of potatoes, about the same weight as his kit. He is a keen runner and completed the London Marathon last year in 3 hours and 11 minutes. Since the start of the year Paul has been competing in different events, including the South Devon marathon and the Bampton to Tiverton run, to make sure he is in prime condition for the London Marathon. Paul is aiming to raise £1,000 for the FAB Club and his total so far stands at £285. He would welcome any further donations to give him added motivation and help support the vital work the FAB Club carries out. Anyone who wishes to support Paul's charity effort can visit the website http://www.justgiving.com/firemanpaul">www.justgiving.com/firemanpaul where they can make a donation online. Said Paul: 'Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me — FAB Club will receive your money faster.' And UK taxpayers' donations could enable the charity to claim gift aid. RIGHT:These boots are made for running! Paul and some of the gear he will wear in the marathon effort.