Resident are running 31 miles in 31 days this month to raise money for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance (KSS).
The charity, which marks its 31st anniversary this year, is encouraging fundraisers to cover the distance at parks or on a treadmill during the month. Their efforts will help raise the £15 million the air ambulance needs every year. More than 600 people have already signed up, with upwards of £60,000 already pledged to the cause.
Amongst those to be participating in the challenge is former KSS patient, Graham Beswick. He was taking part in a golf day when he started to experience strange muscle spasms in his chest and arms. When he suddenly collapsed, due to a cardiac arrest, Mr Beswick’s fellow golfers called 999 and, with the guidance of the emergency services, his brother was able to perform CPR until the ambulance service arrived.
Mr Beswick had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, and when the paramedics from The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) recognised that he needed to be taken to hospital rapidly, the Air Ambulance was dispatched to transfer him quickly to a specialist hospital where he received the care he needed.
Mr Beswick said: “I am just so grateful that KSS was there for me when I needed them. The paramedics told me that I’d actually died for 23 minutes, and without their help and without the expertise of the KSS crew, I wouldn’t be here today.”
“I urge people of all ages to join the Run 31 challenge and help KSS continue to provide its life-saving service that the world can’t do without.”
Helene Poursain, Director of Fundraising and Events at KSS, said: “We want to thank Graham and everyone who has already signed up to take part in our Run 31 challenge – and we hope that many more people will join us!”
“2020 was an incredibly challenging year, but thanks to our supporters and to the dedication of our team, we have been able to deliver our life-saving service uninterrupted throughout.”
“Now, we are asking for your support so that we can continue to be there 24/7 for the most critically ill and injured people in our region in their hour of need. By taking part in the Run 31 challenge, you can help us to save even more lives.”
The KSS Run 31 challenge takes place throughout January 2021 and is open to everyone. Those taking part will be invited to join the Run 31 Facebook community group and will receive a free t-shirt along with tips on how to promote challenges through social media. For further information and to register, visit:
https://www.aakss.org.uk/get-involved/events/run-31/