Young Fundraiser takes on epic challenge to honour family history and support The Air Ambulance Service

A determined young fundraiser from Warwickshire, Nathan Edmunds, is once again pushing his limits to support The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), undertaking his most ambitious challenge yet: the Family History Swim Bike Run.

Nathan’s fundraising journey began in 2021 when, at just seven years old, he completed his first-ever triathlon to raise funds for TAAS. The experience sparked a passion for endurance challenges, leading him to complete three triathlons in three months in 2022. Aged 9, he took on an even greater challenge by seeing how many junior triathlons he could complete in four hours, pushing himself to new limits. Now, at the age of 10, he is taking on an extraordinary test of endurance and dedication, combining personal achievement with a heartfelt tribute to his family history.

In February 2025, Nathan plans to visit the war grave of a family member who served in World War I—a grave that has never been visited. To make this trip even more meaningful, he will incorporate a personal triathlon into the journey. His ambitious mission begins with a 35-mile run over seven weeks, starting at St John’s House Museum, passing through the historic barracks of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, reaching the war memorial of his great-great-grandfather in Bidford-on-Avon, and then returning home.

Nathan will then swim 21 miles over the same seven weeks, inspired by his ancestor’s route to France in 1915, mirroring the distance of the English Channel. To complete the challenge, Nathan will cycle 100 miles over two days, traveling from Calais through the battlefields of the Somme to his great-great-grandfather’s war grave.

This challenge honours the memory of A.E. Harris, who lost his life on 31 July 1915. By undertaking this incredible feat, Nathan is raising vital funds for TAAS, which operates the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), and the national paediatric and neonatal transfer service, the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA). TAAS receives no government funding and relies solely on generous donations to continue its lifesaving missions.

Nathan’s mother, Nikki, shared her pride in his determination: “We are incredibly proud of Nathan and all his achievements so far. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference in supporting this charity and ensuring its lifesaving services can continue.”

Anoushka Brown, Youth Development Manager for the charity, also praised Nathan’s efforts: “It is incredible to see a young supporter take on such a meaningful challenge. Nathan’s dedication to supporting our lifesaving services is inspiring, and we are so grateful for his support. We wish Nathan the best of luck with his challenge and we know he will smash it!”

Nathan has set a fundraising target of £400, and every contribution will help keep TAAS flying. To support Nathan’s remarkable journey, please visit his JustGiving page here.