by Nadia Sam-Daliri A firefighter whose young son was treated in hospital for a brain tumour will be thinking of his brave tot as he runs the marathon for charity. Andrew Small, 38, who is based at West Hampstead fire station, in West End

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

A firefighter whose young son was treated in hospital for a brain tumour will be thinking of his brave tot as he runs the marathon for charity.

Andrew Small, 38, who is based at West Hampstead fire station, in West End Lane, West Hampstead, is ditching the long hose for the long haul as he prepares to take on the Flora London Marathon on April 26.

The sporty dad's two-year-old, Callum was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and spent a month at Great Ormond Street Hospital where he underwent three major operations.

The grateful father is now hoping to raise �7,500 for the hospital.

He said: "My son had fantastic treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Being in hospital for all this time really showed me what fantastic work all the doctors and nurses do, none of which you think about unless you are faced with your own personal nightmare. The surgeons and nurses who looked after Callum were amazing and we are grateful that he was treated in the best children's hospital in the world."

Not adverse to a good challenge, Mr Small has vowed to run the 26 mile gauntlet in full fire fighting gear, bar his helmet.

Brave Callum is back at home and has made a good recovery but part of the tumour remains and if it grows again he may need another operation or radiotherapy.

The tot will also be on medication for the rest of his life and will have to have numerous hospital visits.

With nine years of service for London Fire Brigade under his belt, the marathon will be Mr Small's first.

Other staff members from the London Fire Brigade will be handing out whistles and balloons that promote fire safety on the day.

If you would like to sponsor Mr Small go to www.justgiving.com/andrewsmall.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk