I'm raising £1,000 for Studley First Responders

I am petrified of spiders! So holding a tarantula this November is hands down the scariest thing I have ever agreed to do. But I'm doing it to support a team that faces real emergencies and challenges every single day: Studley First Responders.

This challenge is in honour of my Dad and in gratitude to Kevan, a long-time family friend and neighbour who serves as one of the First Responders. When my Dad collapsed suddenly in 2024, Kev was on hand instantly to help. Thanks to his swift actions, my Dad made it to the hospital, giving our family the chance to hold his hand and say goodbye before he passed away. I will be eternally grateful to Kev for giving us those final, precious moments.

Kevan’s support didn't stop there. Last year, he was on the scene instantly again when my Mom suffered a serious fall, leaving her with a shattered nose, multiple facial fractures and a small bleed on the brain. Kev administered emergency first aid and stayed by her side for the entire hour it took for the ambulance to arrive. The actions of Kevan and the rest of the team really do save lives and support families through their darkest moments.

Studley First Responders are volunteer emergency responders trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service. When a 999 call goes out in Studley, Redditch, or surrounding areas, these volunteers are often the first on the scene, delivering immediate, lifesaving care before an ambulance arrives.

To keep running, they rely 100% on public donations, community fundraising events, and local business sponsorship to pay for response vehicles, fuel, and vital medical equipment.

If you'd like to see me face my fear, or just want to back a vital local charity that truly changes lives, please consider donating.

Donating via JustGiving (Crowdfunding) is simple and secure. Once the challenge is finished, I will withdraw the funds and pass 100% of the money directly to Studley First Responders.