On 4 September 2021, I’ll be taking part in the @sup4coach SUP marathon on the Thames with an intrepid group of paddlers to raise vital funds for London’s Air Ambulance.

London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients.

Using a helicopter from 08:00 to sunset, and rapid response cars at night or in adverse weather situations, London’s Air Ambulance brings the hospital to the patient when time is critical. They perform innovative and potentially life-saving procedures usually found in the emergency department on-scene.

The team, consisting of an advanced trauma doctor, paramedic and consultant on most missions, can perform treatments such as open heart surgery, blood transfusions and general anaesthetic by the roadside. By providing intervention as quickly as possible after injury, they aim to give patients the best chance of survival, and best quality of life, after trauma.

Their missions commonly involve serious road traffic collisions, falls from height, industrial accidents, stabbings and shootings.

The charity is not part of the NHS and relies heavily on donations from individuals and corporations. As well as maintaining this world class service to London, donations from supporters also enable them to enhance the service and introduce innovations in pre- hospital emergency medical care that benefit seriously injured people worldwide.

To raise money for this incredible charity, we’ll be paddling the equivalent distance to a running marathon (over 26 miles/42 km). We’d be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how big or small. It’s going to be a really tough challenge and your donations will spur us on and keep a smile on my face! 

Thank you! x