PTS Sussex Dispatchers Ollie and Shelley are fundraising for the South Central Ambulance Charity. We aim to run as many miles as possible over the next three months for the charity's "Can You Outrun an Ambulance" Virtual Challenge. More info can be found here:

https://www.scas.nhs.uk/can-you-outrun-an-ambulance/

I joined the SCAS family in November 2017 as a PTS Dispatcher for the Sussex contract, Shelley two years later in October 2019. Our role is challenging but extremely rewarding and we are proud to be part of the NHS family and help our colleagues across the country in fighting Covid-19.

We have different running journeys. I have always been a keen sportsman, my number one sport being tennis but it wasn't until May 2017 that I really found the enthusiasm to run. It was at my local parkrun in Eastbourne. Since then, I have joined a local running club, participated in a few 10km races and completed the Eastbourne Half Marathon last year. Throughout the pandemic, I have frequently run at least 100km (83 miles) per month and will continue to do so throughout the challenge.

Shelley took up running in March 2020, just prior to lockdown. She started the popular Couch to 5k programme in her back garden and then once allowed, completed it on the streets of Polegate. Towards the end of last year, she was regularly running 3 x 5-7kms per week. Since the start of 2021, she has found an extra spark to her running. She ran 100km in January and February and aims for at least one long run per week. Her longest run to date is 13km (8 miles) and she is aiming to complete 14k by end of March, 15k by end of April. Once events are back up and running, she would like to enter the local half marathon.

After much deliberation, Shelley and I are going to run as many miles as possible throughout the challenge and see how many ambulances we can outrun. Our NHS Frontline has done a fantastic job keeping us all safe throughout this pandemic and they deserve our support so please donate something to this worthwhile cause.

South Central Ambulance Charity raises funds to support South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. All the money raised by our Charity are used to fund services, projects and equipment that is not supplied by Government NHS funding. Without the money we raise people in our communities would have to wait longer for help which could affect their recovery.

The Charity works across Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as well as supporting our Patient Transport Services in Surrey and Sussex.