Firefighters are preparing to run the Bristol 10K in full fire kit to honour a beloved colleague who lost his battle with cancer
Ollie Hatfield, remembered for his dedication, kindness and humour, pictured
When Ollie Hatfield lost his two-year battle with bowel cancer in 2023, the impact on Avon Fire and Rescue Service was immediate and profound.
Known for his kindness, infectious sense of humour and unwavering dedication to the job, Ollie left behind a family, countless friends, and colleagues determined to ensure his memory lives on.
Now, firefighters will run the Bristol 10K tomorrow (Sunday, May 11) in full fire kit and breathing apparatus — carrying an extra 25kg on their backs — to honour the man who inspired them both professionally and personally.
Among those lacing up their boots is 26-year-old Ben Beacham, who will join two other firefighters in facing test . Their goal is not only to commemorate Ollie’s life, but also to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and The Firefighters Charity.
Firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue train in full gear for the 10K tribute run – Ben at the front.
“Ollie wasn’t just a colleague,” Ben said. “He was someone I genuinely looked up to. He had this great sense of humour and a way of making everyone feel welcome. He brought energy and heart into everything he did.”
Growing up around the fire service thanks to his father’s 18-year career, Ben first encountered Ollie at fire service events when he was just 12 years old. Ollie’s warmth, approachability and ability to make anyone feel included left a mark that would shape Ben’s own path into firefighting.
When Ben joined Avon Fire and Rescue at 18, he found himself working alongside Ollie. It is that bond, built over six years side by side, that now fuels Ben’s determination to honour his mentor.
The Bristol 10K had been a regular event for Ollie, a tradition he embraced with enthusiasm. For Ben and his teammates, continuing that tradition was an obvious choice — but this year, they wanted to make it even more powerful.
“The fire service has been entering a team in the Bristol 10K for years, and Ollie completed it many times,” Ben said. “Doing it in full fire kit and breathing apparatus adds a powerful layer. It’s tough, it’s symbolic, and it’s our way of paying tribute to Ollie in the most meaningful way we can.”
Firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue train in full gear for the 10K tribute run
Ben has been training hard for the event, incorporating regular runs wearing a weighted vest to simulate the punishing load. The fire kit and breathing apparatus add about 25kg.
“It’s meant to reflect the physical demands of the job, and to honour Ollie with the same grit and spirit he showed,” Ben said. “Doing something positive in his name has helped us process the loss and feel like we’re keeping his spirit alive.
“It’s brought the team closer, and it’s given us a purpose beyond the grief.”
Firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue train in full gear for the 10K tribute run
Ben hopes that the funds raised will contribute to better outcomes for others and shine a light on the long-term health risks faced by firefighters.
He said: “Behind the fire kit are people like Ollie, who dedicate their lives to helping others. We owe it to them to make sure their health and well-being are looked after, too.”
The Firefighters Charity, which supports the mental, physical and social wellbeing of serving and retired firefighters, will also benefit.
“If Ollie were here, he’d 100% be lacing up his boots and running with us,” Ben said. “He’d be laughing at how hot and sweaty we all are in kit, cracking jokes, and probably trying to beat us to the finish line.”
Firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue train in full gear for the 10K tribute run
Ben hopes that this year’s tribute will not be the last. There are plans to make the full-kit run an annual tradition, keeping Ollie’s spirit alive through continued support for cancer research and firefighter welfare.
“The Bristol 10K has always had fire service involvement, but we’d love to keep this Ollie-inspired tradition going every year,” he said. “It’s a fantastic day out, there’s always loads of support, and it brings attention to causes that matter deeply to us. If it inspires others to start their own fundraisers or tributes, that’s even better.”
The 10K run will begin at 9:30am on Sunday, May 11, starting from Anchor Road in Bristol.