A DORSET man is running a half marathon to raise money for a life-saving flood rescue charity.

Wessex Flood Rescue is a voluntary flood and water rescue unit based in Dorset that works with other emergency services to keep residents safe. 

Max Payne, 19, is a lifeguard and volunteer at the flood rescue charity. 

He will also be going one step further and completing the Bournemouth half marathon in his full rescue kit which includes a dry suit and buoyancy vest.

Max said: “I volunteer for Wessex Flood Rescue because I have always wanted a career in public services, and was made aware that Wessex support these services such as fire and police as public services are having financial cuts.

“Voluntary groups such as Wessex are being called upon more and more to support and assist these services with searching for incidents such as missing people and flood rescue.

“I have learned vital skills over the last year including swift water rescue, emergency first aid, search and rescue skills which has given me the opportunity to build relationships with others and support the community that we live and work in."

Max decided to raise money for the volunteering charity after a theft of gear.

He added: “Some of the Wessex rescue team members while on a training exercise had cars broken into and kit stolen including dry suits.

“Being a volunteer group, we rely on donations to keep up the work that we do and keep assisting the community, so I am running the marathon to try and raise funds for us to keep doing this work.

"Unfortunately, we also had an outboard stolen off the back of one of the rescue crafts which has affected our ability to assist the other services and we are passionate to keep helping the service and the people that live in and around our communities.

“I am very much looking forward to participating in this run and hopefully be able to raise funds for our stolen kit.  

“Both my parents are working in the public service they are both really proud for not only the volunteer work I do but trying to raise funds for this amazing charity.”

The half marathon takes place on October 13 along Bournemouth promenade.

Donations can be made to Max's GoFundMe titled: "Running 13.1 miles in Full Search and Rescue kit".