24 Oct 2013
Our pilot, Captain Neil Jeffers, and doctor, Dr. Tom Konig, are soon to complete the ultimate endurance test, seeing them run 8 marathons in 6 days through the deserts of Jordan, in a bid to raise money for the charity.
To increase awareness and money for their feat they will be running the equivalent of one marathon at London’s Southbank in their desert gear today (16th August). Colleagues and friends will set up at Potters Field, between City Hall and Tower Bridge, from 12pm (when the two start running) and will be there available to chat until they have finished their marathon.
Tom and Neil are urging people to pop by and say hello, hear more about the Charity and show your support if you are in the area. Every penny counts in helping them reach their target.
On 3rd September 2011 the duo will be running 200 miles (360 km) through Wadi Rum, a protected area covering 720 square kilometres of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan, and will finish at Petra.
Not only are 8 consecutive marathons a feat in itself, the average heat in the Wadi Rum desert is 32°C. Stamina will be tested and emotions will run high but the duo are hoping to raise over £10,000 for their efforts and are enlisting the support of Londoners.
Already they have been shown tremendous support including from Dame Kelly Holmes, who said: “‘Congratulations to Neil and Tom on taking on an epic sporting task to raise money for a vital team who look after the people of London. Good Luck.”
Commenting on Jordan Ultra, Captain Jeffers said: “I work at the forefront of the service but it always shocks me how little people know about us and the fact that we are a charity. I know first hand what a vital service this is to London and the chance to raise money in support of London's Air Aambulance is fantastic. Tom and I consider ourselves relatively fit but this challenge is a massive one.”
Dr Tom Konig added: “This venture provides a perfect opportunity to raise money and the profile of this service which is a vital part of trauma care in the Capital. LAA is a world leader in trauma care and is an example of the very best team at work. We hope to continue that effort in the austere environment of the Jordanian desert.”
