250th donation for the Outrun an Ambulance campaign

We have received our 250^th donation for the Outrun an Ambulance campaign, raising money for the East of England Ambulance Service Charity.

The campaign was first launched in 2021 by the South Western Ambulance Charity. It is a virtual challenge to 'outrun' the mileage covered by an ambulance on an average shift responding to emergencies. Despite its name, fundraisers can run, walk, swim, scoot, hand-cycle, ride, anything that is self-propelled!

This fantastic challenge is designed to suit all people and all abilities. Fundraisers can choose their timeframe, up to a maximum of three months, to ‘outrun’ their chosen distance by at least one mile, either individually or as part of a team, whilst raising vital donations for charity. 

In 2022, our Charity joined the campaign alongside five other regional NHS ambulance charities and has since raised an amazing £5,491 (including gift aid and match funding from fundraiser employers). In the same year, the campaign won two prestigious awards, including the Working In Partnership Award from NHS Communicate.

The funds raised by our incredible supporters have been used towards initiatives for EEAST staff and volunteers, such as:

• Ongoing support to enhance wellbeing gardens and rest rooms for colleagues across the Trust providing a much needed space for relaxation and respite during busy shifts.
• The replacement of intelligent Public Access Defibrillator (iPAD) electrode automated external defibrillator (AED) pads. These defibrillators provide a valuable resource in supporting response times to cardiac arrests in the hard-to-reach areas of the east of England region.
• Funding refreshments on Welfare Wagons, which support frontline colleagues on the road during periods of high demand.

Kate Lott, Head of Charity, said:

“The 250^th donation is an amazing milestone for the Charity. The Outrun an Ambulance campaign has really grown since it began in 2021 with so many inspiring fundraisers taking part. It is wonderful to see the positive impact across EEAST and within local communities, through initiatives funded, as a direct result of the generosity of our incredible supporters.”

There is still time to take part in the challenge. For more information, and to set-up a personal fundraising page for the ‘Outrun an Ambulance’ challenge, visit the Charity Outrun an Ambulance JustGiving page. 

For updates, and to share your experiences of doing the challenge, visit the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust social media channels and use the hashtag #ICanOutrunAnAmbulance

Want to find out more about how the charity can help you, or have an idea that the charity could help fund? Get in touch with the team at charitablefunds@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Published 5th October 2023