“When someone needs us, it’s usually the worst moment of their life, and their family’s.”

On February 4th, those words sadly became my reality. My partner, Mark, was involved in a life-changing motorbike accident. His injuries were so severe that Mark should not have survived. The only reason he is still here with us, fighting and recovering, is because of the extraordinary team at the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).

When every single second counted, they launched a helicopter to save him, bringing advanced critical care straight to the roadside. Without them, Mark would have died.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance is a charity providing lifesaving critical care, 24/7, across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Whether by air or road, they're there for the most seriously ill and injured people. Their specialist doctors and paramedics bring hospital-level treatment straight to the scene. From blood transfusions and pain relief to anaesthesia and emergency surgery, they give patients the best possible chance of survival. They care deeply about the work they do and the people they help and our story is living proof of that.

I've spent the last few months learning a lot about EAAA, and the most shocking realisation is this: they are entirely charity-funded. They receive no regular government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of the public to keep their helicopters in the sky and critical care cars on the road.

To pay forward the debt of gratitude I owe them for saving Mark's life, I am embarking on my own physical challenge.

On September 5th, I am running an ultramarathon covering the distance connecting the two operational bases where these lifesaving crews wait for the call: Norwich Airport and Cambridge Airport. This is a staggering 101.7km (63.2 miles) — which is more than two full marathons back-to-back, all in a single day.

My mission is to raise at least £4,250. This is the exact average cost of just one single call-out.

I want to fund the next mission. I want to make sure that the next time a family is faced with the worst moment of their life, the EAAA crew has the fuel, the equipment, and the resources to fly to their side and bring home a miracle, just like they did for Mark.

It takes a team to save a life. Please join my team, push me through these 101.7km, and help keep this incredible charity flying. Every single donation helps.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.