Two Scottish ambulance technicians are preparing to tackle the Edinburgh Marathon in a way that’s turning heads and opening hearts.
Jack Falconer from Wick and Dominic Ballisat from Edinburgh will be pounding the pavements in their full emergency response uniforms, boots included, each lugging a 10kg kit bag on their backs.
They’re not just doing it for the personal challenge.
They’re doing it to raise funds and awareness for The Ambulance Staff Charity, known as TASC, which supports ambulance workers and their families through the toughest of times.
So far, their bold effort has raised almost £2500.
And they’re not easing into it.
Jack and Dominic have trained in the same gear they wear on callouts, running in boots, thick trousers and carrying the extra weight of their medical equipment to simulate the physical load they bear on the job.
Jack, who is tackling his first marathon, said the decision to wear the full kit was about more than symbolism.
“We wanted to make it harder because this is a daily reality for ambulance crews,” he said.
“It’s about bringing visibility to the mental and physical toll our work takes.”
Dominic, who previously worked at Thurso Ambulance Station and has run three marathons before, added that their goal is simple.
“TASC has helped so many of our colleagues,” he said.
“If we can give something back, even in a small way, then every step is worth it.”
Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Jasmin Rana, Head of Income Generation at TASC, said the pair’s determination was nothing short of inspiring.
“We don’t receive any regular funding from the NHS or ambulance trusts, so we rely on supporters like Jack and Dominic,” she said.
“Their efforts are helping us provide mental health support, financial guidance and so much more.”
She explained that the money raised so far could fund the equivalent of 46 hours of counselling or 172 financial advice sessions.
For frontline workers dealing with trauma, injury or personal hardship, that kind of support can be life-changing.
The Edinburgh Marathon takes place on 25 May, and both men are bracing themselves for a long, hot, and heavy run.
But if their training is anything to go by, they’ll finish it the same way they face their shifts with courage, heart and purpose.
Support their cause at Dom B is fundraising for The Ambulance Staff Charity
