Two Thames Valley Air Ambulance critical care paramedics are part of an all-female running team hoping to fundraise for a charity close to their hearts and inspire the next generation of female first responders.
A team of 20 paramedics and doctors from 13 air ambulance charities across the UK are joining forces to represent women in pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) at the Great North Run on Sunday 8th September.
Emma Gray and Hannah Hirst, both Critical Care Paramedics, will be representing Thames Valley Air Ambulance at the Great North Run, which also happens to coincide with Air Ambulance Week. They hope to encourage other women to apply for roles within PHEM, since men outnumber women in the industry
“Far fewer women than men apply for roles within our sector; I strongly believe that role models can help us realise what’s possible, and I hope our team will inspire women to believe in themselves,” says Emma, who helped assemble the team.
“Whether it’s crossing the finish line of a challenging run or applying for a job you didn’t think was open to you – with training, hard work and self-belief, you might be surprised at what you can achieve.”
With demanding roles on the frontline of saving lives, the runners are taking on this challenge to boost their mental and physical health, while fundraising for the Air Ambulances.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance brings hospital-level care to people across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. The charity is funded solely by the generosity of the public.
A second female team will also be running the New Forest half marathon on the same date.
To support Emma and the team, visit their Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/emma-gray-1719845819896 or to find out more about how you can support your local air ambulance charity, visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk/support-us
