A worthy cause, a half marathon, and a bit of family rivalry! This October, my son and I are taking on the Oxford Half Marathon 2025 to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. A few years ago, our baby cousin needed urgent, life-saving care. The air ambulance team landed in our local park and acted with speed, skill, and compassion that we'll never forget. That moment—helicopter blades spinning, team in action—is still engraved in our memories.

In my work, I regularly see just how critical this service is—bringing heart attack patients in from remote areas and giving them a fighting chance when minutes matter most. While I’ll be running this half marathon, I’ll admit it’s highly likely I’ll be poodling along behind my son, who seems to think this is the Olympic trials. We’re a little competitive—but thankfully we’re on the same team when it comes to raising money for this brilliant cause.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance is here for everyone in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire—whoever you are, wherever and whenever you need them. They deliver hospital-level critical care at the scene and en route, saving lives daily. But here’s the kicker—they're not government or lottery funded. They rely entirely on the kindness and generosity of people like you.

💛 Every donation—big or small—helps save lives.

💛 Every pound keeps the helicopter in the air and the crew on standby.

💛 And every penny means I have to run that bit faster (if only to keep up with my son and my pride).

The Oxford student crew are already raising the bar with their fundraising efforts, so we’re throwing down the gauntlet—let’s match them! And while you’re at it, give a little cheer for me as I chase my son through 13.1 miles of Oxford's finest scenery. Thank you for supporting us—and this incredible service.