Together, we do everything in our power to protect, save and revive lives, with the best critical care at the scene and beyond

Hello. In order to raise funds for the amazing work done by Thames Valley Air Ambulance- I decided to attempt the Three Peaks Challenge. For those of you familiar with my recent 5k timings this year - you will appreciate how bold (frankly daft) a move this was. However, I was thinking less about my actual ability to ascend mountains with the grace of a whippet, and more about the lifesaving work of our crews.

I am lucky to be part of Thames Valley Air Ambulance charity working as their volunteer manager. My role allows me the privilege of meeting and listening to ex-patients and their loved ones, to hear first-hand the difference our crews made at, often, incredibly tough times. This is the kind of thing that makes you decide it's a good idea to climb some mountains.

So, I want to tell you 3 things to hopefully inspire YOU to climb some mountains- or donate the price of a coffee, here, instead. Whatever floats your boat:

1. Thames Valley Air Ambulance does not operate a 'Swoop and Scoop' service- the sort of thing people often imagine. Our crews contain a Dr and Critical Care Paramedic who deliver critical care at the scene. They bring the hospital to the patient.

2. The point of the helicopter is to get these brilliant crews, the medicine and equipment- to the scene fast. But we also have Critical Care Response Vehicles- which can nip into town centres (not necessarily quite as accessible for the heli!) - or along the motorways. Meaning we can - and have- reached even more patients.

3. As a charity, EVERYTHING we do is funded by the local community: Kind supporters that keep the service running. We are not government or lottery funded, so we rely on the generosity of people like you.

Isn't that incredible? Stop and think about that for a moment.

An outstanding emergency service - powered by kindness.

So, yes- I'll be trundling up some big hills (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden) in 24 hours. But the important thing is not my goatlike ability to hop up sheer slopes but the fact that- some day, someone, you will most likely never know-will find our crews by their side when they need us most- because of the kindness of people like you.

Thank you,

Laura. xxxx

Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. They are there for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are, wherever and whenever you need them.

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