31 Jul 2023
In June 2023, Mike Hancock completed the South West Coast Path to raise vital funds for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, SWC Path Charity and RNLI. His impressive trek resulted in over £4,500 being donated to our service.
“Seeing my wife evacuated from Vietnam when 19 weeks pregnant with a burst appendix, and an air ambulance mobilised for my grandson after having a seizure at school, I well understand the value and essential need to keep the critical air ambulance capability available and ready to respond,” said Mike.
“With retirement planned for June 2023, I was keen to give something back. My solution – to undertake a long distance charity hike.”
Walking and wild camping the 630 miles from Minehead to South Haven Point required preparation, commitment and some amount of grit.
“This is a strenuous pathway and at times, darn right nasty. There is no question that some of the sections are enough to make a grown adult squeak, but if you have determination and can keep putting one foot in front of the other, then you can complete the path and see some of the most amazing scenery in the country,” said Mike.
“Over the 31 days of hiking, I managed to get away with only the loss of a few toenails and shin splints!”
Carrying all necessary safety and camping gear, Mike honed his loaded pack weight down to 10.5kgs. The route sometimes ascended 2,200m in a day and most days was over 1,000m of climb consistently for 31 days.
“I was extremely lucky to fall in with a few guys moving at my pace and although we mainly hiked separately, we were covering over 20 miles a day. It would not have been the same path without the camaraderie and friendship of the hikers and walkers I met along the way.”
This incredible feat was part of Mike’s retirement plan and we’re so grateful for his efforts: his donation is enough to cover more than one whole mission.
On average we attend to five critically injured patients a day in London, but we’re a charity and reliant on public support to continue being there for the capital.
“I’m so glad I’ve been able to give a little back and I’ve been stunned by the generosity shown by my friends, family and work colleagues – everyone has been so supportive.
“It’s brilliant to have been able to support the amazing work of London’s Air Ambulance Charity.”