Kettering firefighters to run half marathon in full kit to support former colleague

Firefighters from Green Watch at Kettering Fire Station will take on the Kettering Half Marathon in full fire kit this March to raise funds for former Northamptonshire firefighter Derek “Del” Anniwell, who is undergoing treatment for advanced cancer.

Del joined Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1993 as a retained firefighter at Rushden, later becoming wholetime in 2006. He moved to Kettering Green Watch in 2014, serving there until his retirement in August 2024. In total, he completed 30 years and nine months with the service.

Colleagues describe Del as a highly experienced firefighter who played a key role in mentoring new recruits.

“As one of the longest‑serving members of the watch, he supported almost every development firefighter who came through Kettering Green Watch,” they said. “He was patient, knowledgeable and someone people relied on.”

Del was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer in January 2025. Despite undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, recent tests show the cancer has progressed to stage 4 and has spread to his stomach and liver.

Crews across the service have already been fundraising to support Del and his family. A Christmas open day hosted by Red Watch Kettering in December raised £715. Green Watch then chose to take on their own challenge, settling on the Kettering Half Marathon due to their strong ties with the town and their years working there with Del.

Firefighters Dragan Stjepanovic, Lee Brown, Marcus Dowman, James Woodfield and Stuart Tomlin will all take part. While some have completed endurance events before, none have previously run a long‑distance race in full PPE.

Running 13.1 miles in full fire kits presents significant challenges.

“The biggest challenge will be heat,” the team said. “The kit is designed to keep heat out, but it also prevents heat escaping. Combined with the weight of the equipment, it makes running significantly harder. Weather conditions on the day will also have a major impact.”

The Watch said the effort is about recognising Del’s long service and the support he gave to others throughout his career.

“Del spent more than 30 years helping people in the community and supporting firefighters across the service. This is our way of showing support for him now.”

A fundraising page has been set up for anyone wishing to support: https://gofund.me/bb0daaaf