Critical crew help to raise over £13,000 for Air Ambulance

Your local Air Ambulance’s frontline crew completed epic challenges at their Coventry Airbase in support of the UK’s 2.6 challenge, raising over £3,000 towards a grand total of £13k for the Air Ambulance Service.

Yesterday, under a hot sun, Critical Care Paramedics Sophie Birt and Gavin Alexander and Doctor Stuart Maitland-Knibb took to the runway at Coventry Airport and ran the 26.2-mile marathon distance, while Critical Care Paramedic Adam Nash completed a 260km cycle on his turbo bike, and HEMS Paramedic Janet Holmes ran 6.2 miles – all to raise vital funds needed to keep the service on the front line.

The event coincided with a national effort where the public were asked to take part in an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to charities such as The Air Ambulance Service.

The Air Ambulance Service operates Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) and Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA), and is helping to save more lives with their dedicated crews continuing their lifesaving missions through this difficult Coronavirus pandemic – providing vital, critical care support to the NHS.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the charity. Due to the closure of its retail division, the suspension of its reuse kerbside collection service and the postponement of its door-to-door lottery canvassing, the charity is facing a projected net loss of at least £2.18M for the months April to June.

Other charity staff, along with members of the public and #TheCrew (children’s club for TCAA), joined in the challenge to help raise vital funds. From attempting to break 26 world records, dancing, star jumping and singing, to running various distances, everyone’s efforts has helped to raise over £13,000!

WNAA Critical Care Paramedic Sophie Birt Says: “We continue to support the NHS through our frontline, lifesaving services and as a healthcare charity, which receives no government funding, we rely solely on donations from the public.

“The challenge was tough but the charity needs your support now more than ever before to continue the fight to help save lives. We’d like to thank everyone who took part in their own fundraising challenge and those who have donated on our crew’s JustGiving page – it is truly appreciated.”

To donate to the critical care crew – click here

To find out more about how you can help keep your local air ambulance flying, click here