Going the distance for Magpas Air Ambulance 

On Sunday, 27th April two people ran marathons for the local charity, Magpas Air Ambulance.

Russell Carter, from Upwood, ran the Manchester Marathon. This marathon was the final run of his ‘Two Halves and a Whole’ challenge, which also saw him take on the Cambridge Half and London Landmarks Half Marathons this year.

After crossing the finish line he said, "It was definitely the toughest challenge I’ve taken on; there were some rough parts which required digging deep. Ultimately what got me through was the crowds and atmosphere, and knowing that I was raising money and awareness of the vital service that Magpas Air Ambulance provides."

At the same time, London-based Gemma McCormick ran the London Marathon in aid of Magpas Air Ambulance, after the charity saved her husband's life in 2023. Gemma explains, "My husband, Andy, suffered a serious head injury while cycling in 2023. Magpas Air Ambulance flew to the scene of his accident and provided him with essential pre-hospital care. This not only helped to save Andy’s life, but it also limited his long-term disability."

Magpas Air Ambulance, based in Cambridgeshire, provides advanced medical care to patients at the scene of their accidents when every second counts. The air ambulance doctors and paramedics are specially trained in pre-hospital emergency medicine and can provide treatments and procedures above those of a standard land ambulance, before a patient reaches hospital. This early, expert care saves lives, reduces recovery times and limits disability.

Gemma continues, "I will be forever grateful to the Magpas Air Ambulance team for the care they provided, and hope that by raising some funds and awareness for this charity, I can support them in continuing their vital work."