Runners raise thousands for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

30^th April 2019

London Marathon runners raise thousands for Air Ambulance

Supporters of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) have raised more than £21,000 by taking part in this year’s London Marathon, with more money still to come in.

A total of 16 runners tackled the famous 26.2 mile course around the capital in support of their local life-saving Charity.

Anna Benton from Colchester said: “I raised over a thousand pounds for the Air Ambulance, so it was so worth it. Sadly, they couldn’t save my dad, but hopefully they can save thousands of others. I love them!”

Ben Usher (31) from Ware said: “It was a pleasure supporting Essex & Herts Air Ambulance by running the Virgin London Marathon. The experience, crowds and atmosphere were amazing!

“I managed to complete it in 3 hours 27 minutes and 43 seconds which was a massive achievement for me. Raising money that I know will make a difference really spurred me on, especially in the last 6 miles where my legs were very heavy and I struggled to keep my pace going.

“My fundraising is now up to £1,695, and with some offline donations to be collected I’m hoping to crack the £2000 mark in the next couple of weeks.”

Paul Cecil from Waltham Cross was a patient of one of the Charity’s Critical Care Teams in February 2015 after collapsing during a run.

“In these troubled times we live we are made to believe we should lose our faith in love and humanity. This race proves without doubt there is an abundance of both. I am proud to be a small part of this great event.”

EHAAT Fundraising Manager Natasha Robertson said: “The £21,000 raised by our runners this year is fantastic achievement. Each and every one of them should be proud of what they have accomplished. It was a privilege to be on the London Marathon course cheering them on.

“It takes an incredible amount of determination to complete the London Marathon. Everyone at EHAAT would like to thank all the runners for their hard work and commitment. We can’t fly without you!”

-ENDS-

Photographs: Anna Benton (Colchester), Ben Usher (Ware), Paul Cecil (Waltham Cross)

For more information please contact Gavin Sherriff, PR Officer, on 0345 2417 690.

Notes to Editor:

• Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is a Charity that provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for the critically ill and injured of Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
• The service is provided free of charge but, unlike NHS emergency services, the Charity receives no direct funding from the Government or National Lottery. It costs in excess of £750,000 every month to keep the service operational and cover all charitable costs, and this would not be possible without the generosity and goodwill of people and businesses of Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond.
• Each of the Charity’s HEMS teams consist of two Pilots, a Pre-hospital Care Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic.
• These teams, made up of highly-skilled individuals, tended to 1,491 patients in 2018 and are the backbone of your local life-saving Charity.
• The fleet, consisting of two Air Ambulances, and four Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs - cars) operates seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. After sunset, the Critical Care Team continues to provide the service using Rapid Response Vehicles. These vehicles carry the same life-saving equipment as the helicopters.
• In addition, a Rapid Response Vehicle is operational on a Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm until 7am with a Pre-hospital Care Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic. This means the Charity’s Critical Care Teams are available continuously from 7am on Friday through until 9pm on Sunday.