A Crickhowell firefighter will take on a 5K run in New York this weekend in full firefighting kit to honour those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Crew Manager Tommy Hatton, who is based at Crickhowell Fire Station and also works at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Joint Fire Control Centre, will take part in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, September 27.

The annual event honours the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters, law enforcement officers and thousands of civilians who died as a result of the September 11 attacks.

The event follows the route taken by FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran towards the World Trade Centre after finding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel closed to vehicles. He was carrying more than 60lb of firefighting equipment and died while helping others.

Tommy will complete the 5K wearing full firefighting kit while also raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports serving and retired members of the UK fire and rescue community.

He said the charity was particularly important to him after he personally benefited from its support and programmes following an injury.

"I'm taking part in this year's Tunnel to Towers 5K in full fire kit to remember all those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks and to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity,” he said.

“The charity is particularly important to me because I have personally benefited from its support and programmes following an injury. The help I received made a real difference, so this is an opportunity to give something back while honouring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It's also especially poignant to take part this year as it marks 25 years since the events of 9/11."

The Tunnel to Towers event attracts tens of thousands of runners, walkers, first responders and veterans each year.

Tommy is raising funds through his JustGiving page, with all proceeds supporting the Fire Fighters Charity's vital work.