I N S P I R A T I O N

Hello everybody (all 2 of you!?), well it has finally reached the point where I felt so guilty about not posting recently that I feel compelled to jump start my fund raising. Admittedly it has been a while since I last posted, and there isn't really an excuse. So, its happening!

This week I was working with an ambulance crew and we were called to a road traffic collision. I had never seen the air ambulance working at a 'shout' before. As we roared around the bend on lights and sirens, I noticed a car pretty much emmbedded in the hedgerow A few metres away was a big yellow helicopter; engines running, heat pouring out of the two engines.  A very impressive sight. 

Paramedics in red flight kits were talking to the patient in the car and providing medical assistance. Police were also on scene and directing traffic (good job Holly!)

It was witnessing this sight that I was reminded just how lucky we are in Hampshire to have such a fantastic service. It sent a shiver down my spine and I felt really proud to be involved.

For those of you who dont know, the Air Ambulance is a vital asset to the ambulance service. Its main purpose is to respond quickly to life threatening emergencies, where a conventional road ambulance may not be able to get to or be available. The aircraft can reach most locations in hampshire in around 15 minutes, land almost anywhere and get patients to hospital FAST. (for more information, see http://www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk

They go to anyone in serious trouble.

The thing is (incredibly) the Air Ambulance is paid for by voluntary donations - yeah thats right - it is completely supported by the general public. The crew consisting of highly skilled paramedics (paid by the NHS) and volunteer doctors.

The aircraft, support and kit on board are paid for by the public.

It costs £110 000 PER MONTH to run the service, or £3600 per day. Im not going to try and scare you into donating (yet!) but if you can, please do give, as (from experience) you never know when you might need it, especially for those who live/work in the countryside.

My training is coming along, on sunday I ran 15 miles in the new forest. It hurt, but im starting to develop strategies to deal with the erosive pain that just saps at any motivation you have. It seems to develop around mile 9 or 10...or about 1 hour 15 mins into my runs. The right foods, the right drinks, the right music/podcasts and singing out loud are all helping me to push my limits. This weekend it will be 16 miles. I now dread Sundays.

Please help me, i have raised £26 so far (thanks mum and dad!) and I need to raise another £974 :/
please nip over to http://www.justgiving.com/james-lawrence4 for me and donate, even if its just a little, your support will help me push through to mile 16 this sunday.

THANK YOU!!