Gama Aviation Special Missions Pilot

Terry Knights

After this years set of challenges for Lucy Air Ambulance, 2022 brings a new set, with entry into the Marathon des Sables, for former Royal Marine and Gama Aviation Special Missions Air Ambulance pilot Terry Knights.  Terry is taking on the gruelling Ultra Marathon over six days across the Sahara Desert, hopefully followed by the Polar Circle Marathon “Polar Bear Challenge”. Terry is not an ultra runner but is trying to push the limits and feels pain like everyone else. Terry is pushing himself to the limits physically to try to enable Lucy Air Ambulance to secure funds to continue to assist and provide the service and care for the children and families.

Thank you for your support 

The Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a multi day Ultra Marathon or Ultra run over 6 days on a course that covers 156 miles across the sands of the Sahara Desert. Deemed the toughest foot race on the planet, runners are required to be self supporting, carrying all their own food and supplies (except water needed for the whole 6 days of the race).

As each moment passes the impact of COVID-19 deepens and its grip on our society tightens. Lucy Air Ambulance for Children will have a role to play in the following weeks and months as pressure on the NHS rises and it becomes vital that charities like us are able to continue to provide our free service. As a small organisation with limited financial reserves we are particularly vulnerable. We are entirely reliant on voluntary fundraising and we are already seeing the financial impact of the virus with fundraising and events being cancelled. At the moment we are forecasting an 80% drop in our annual income and are facing the real possibility of having to cease operating. This will be devastating for the families who need our help and the NHS who needs our service.

Lucy Air Ambulance for Children is the only charity in the UK that funds flights for children to hospital by aeroplane. They exist to ensure children are able to access essential medical care regardless of distance.The NHS has no dedicated funding for air transfers and so relies on Lucy AAC's support. They are trying to help as many families as possible but need your support to make these flights happen.If you would like to know more about their work, please visit: www.lucyaac.org.uk