Worcester man treks 150 miles for Midlands Air Ambulance
Chris Devney hopes to raise money to mark the charity's 30th anniversary
A man from Worcestershire and ex-Shropshire policeman is setting off on a 150 mile trek to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
58-year-old Chris Devney, who lives in Worcester, also hopes to raise awareness of the vital work the lifesaving service does and mark its 30th year in operation.
Chris will be walking between each of the charity’s airbases, three of the charity’s shops, its Stourbridge HQ and the original airbase at Hagley Hall.
The mammoth challenge - called Chris’s Air30 Walk - will take Chris, who is also a volunteer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, six days to complete, and totals over 240km (150 miles), incorporating all of the charity’s places of importance from its 30-year history.
Fellow volunteer and town crier, Peder Nielson, will also be supporting at a number of locations as Chris arrives, marking his achievements along the way.
Chris Devney said:
“In my former role as a police officer in Telford, Shropshire, I attended many road traffic collisions which required the help of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity aircrew.
"I’ve seen first-hand the impact their clinical expertise can make on scene; literally saving lives.
"It's also important to highlight the incredible people who work for the charity, from the pilots to all the volunteers who give their time for free to make sure the service is operational".
Eleven years ago Chris was involved in a motorbike crash and needed the help of the Air Ambulance.
Chris believed he wouldn't survive had it not have been for the live-saving action from the Air Ambulance.
Chris added:
“Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides a vital service to all communities of the six counties it serves, by providing critical care to those that require it, at the time they need it the most.
‘Chris’s Air30 Walk’ is the hardest physical challenge I’ll have ever taken on, and anything I raise will go to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity so they can continue saving lives.”
Chris will begin his journey on Sunday 9th May at 10am, starting at the Walsall charity shop, and will complete the challenge at the Strensham airbase on Friday 14th May.
To help support Chris during his 240km walk for charity, you can visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-devney