Warwickshire local takes on mammoth challenge to support lifesaving charity

A man from Alcester has completed a mammoth challenge by running 100km, visiting seven pubs along the way, to raise funds for the lifesaving Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), as the charity celebrates 20 years of vital service.

Andrew Carlsson – who works for a company called Lovely Pubs – decided to run to seven pubs in one day across the West Midlands, Baraset Barn, The Boot Inn, The Orange Tree, The Farm, Mortons Kitchen Bar & Deli, The Queens Head and The Moat House Inn – covering a total of 100km.

Andrew started his challenge at 4.00am on Saturday 22 July 2023 and has so far raised an amazing £3,165, smashing his target of £1,700, to support further lifesaving missions by the charity.

“I thought I would create my own challenge and it was something I had been wanting to do for a while, so I could challenge my mental frame of mind and do it for a charity which I feel deserves a lot more support from the public. This was the furthest distance I have ran yet and it was a fun but hard challenge,” said Andrew Carlsson.

“Our local farmers fundraise each year to raise money for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. I am originally from South Africa and played lots of sports growing up, injuries do occur and unfortunately, we don’t have the amazing resources and pre-hospital critical care that the charity provides, and this makes me appreciate their incredible and vital work even more,” he added.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance crew are available 24/7, 365 days per year, providing lifesaving pre-hospital care to those who need it the most. The charity receives no government or NHS funding and relies solely on generous donations from its supporters to fund its vital missions – without this they wouldn’t be able to continue their lifesaving missions across Northamptonshire and further afield.

George May, Community Fundraising Executive for Warwickshire, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Andrew and his team for taking on this incredible and unique challenge.”

“They have managed to raise an amazing amount to support our lifesaving missions and without support such as this from local communities, the charity wouldn’t be able to continue to save lives across Warwickshire and further afield. People can still support Andrew by donating to his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-carlsson-100km” he added.

The charity is celebrating its 20^th anniversary of providing its lifesaving service across Warwickshire and Northamptonshire in 2023 and is encouraging people to show their support by attending WNAA’s Open Day on 04 August at Chester House, Northamptonshire.

For more information, please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.