24-04-2025
County Durham and Darlington fire fighters to run marathon in inflatable cow suits
Firefighters will run the Leeds Marathon in comedy cow suits to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND).
The firefighters, from County Durham and Darlington, will be taking on the marathon in the inflatable costumes, alongside their colleagues from neighbouring brigades, to support Richard Messenger, a local dairy farmer diagnosed with MND.
The team, led by James Bulman from the County Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service (who is Mr Messenger's brother-in-law), initially aimed to raise £2,620 - but have already surpassed this target.
Mr Messenger and his family have themselves been fundraising since his diagnosis in 2024, raising over £12,000 through their 'Milk for Messy' campaign.
Mr Bulman said: "A charity only becomes poignant to you when you, family, or a friend is affected.
"The fire service has proved it's a family by the response and help they have provided, especially Durham and Darlington, Cleveland, and other neighbouring services/brigades - a huge thank you.
"Hopefully a herd of inflatable cows doing a marathon will attract people's attention and encourage them to ask why? - MND, and hopefully in the near future we will have a cure for this debilitating illness.
"Our motto for the day will be: the bigger the herd, we will be heard!"
Speaking about the challenge, regional fundraiser for the MND Association, Dominic McDonough, said: "This is a challenge like no other and seeing a team of inflatable cows cross the finish line will be an incredible memory and raise so much awareness.
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"We are so grateful to the entire team for taking on this huge run to support us.
"The sore legs will be worth it and we really appreciate all of their hard work!
"It means the world to us."
For more information about the challenge or to donate to the fundraising page please visit
For more information about MND and the MND Association please visit
