23 Jun 2021

Man hiking up hill pulling sled

For many people, a 250-mile, three-week winter trek around Richmond Park would be challenging enough, but for community fundraiser, Shane, that wasn’t quite tough enough. So, in order to make things more difficult, he decided he would carry a weighted backpack and pull a ‘sled’ made from several large tyres! 

Setting off on a dark, cold, snow-laden Saturday morning in mid-February and cheered on by our Chief Executive Jonathan, Shane set off on his epic challenge to raise vital funds for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. Over the following 21 days, Shane battled uneven ground, steep muddy hills, howling wind, ice and thick frost, spurred on by his daughters, friends, colleagues and a steady supply of hot tomato soup!

Despite bruising, aching muscles and sore joints being constant companions, outdoor-loving Shane managed to reach the 125-mile halfway mark by day 9, following a mammoth 16 mile slog the day before.

Explaining his reasons for choosing to support the Charity, Shane said: “The work that London’s Air Ambulance carries out is of the utmost importance. The medical procedures they perform at the roadside, in all weathers and under great pressure is incredible, literally life-saving. There was never any question of me helping to fund this charity and raise awareness of the service it provides all of London”.

As the bitter February weather finally relented, Shane found himself joined by other people walking through the park, many of whom kindly donated in support of his incredible challenge and to support the capital’s only helicopter led medical service.

On Saturday 6 March, Shane finally completed his gruelling winter marathon trek as he reached mile 250, raising a massive £1,353 in the process.

Shane said, “I love to push myself and this challenge was a great way to see what I was capable of while supporting a wonderful charity at the same time. None of us ever want to be in a position of needing London’s Air Ambulance but knowing that they will be there if we do is so important and is worth all the effort of fundraising.”

On behalf of everyone at London’s Air Ambulance Charity we would like to say a huge thank you to Shane for his remarkable challenge and to his family, friends and colleagues who donated to help keep us flying, as well as the residents around Richmond Park who cheered Shane on throughout his trek.

If trekking 250 miles around Richmond Park wasn’t hard enough, Shane has signed up to our Miles For Missions event, but has given himself a bit more of a challenge by climbing 116 miles uphill… pulling his tyre sled! If you would like to help Shane reach his new target then please visit his fundraising page here

More Community News

Community stories: Car boot sale success

Local fundraising is a wonderful way to bring your neighborhood together while supporting our vital…

Community stories: Abercorn School

Schools fundraising is not only a brilliant way to raise money for our charity, but also provides…

Former patient takes on epic challenge for our charity

One of our charity’s former patients is undertaking an epic fitness challenge to raise money for…