Oxford Ambulance heads for Mongolia

Most calls to the ambulance service are to answer emergencies in the local area. On 18th July this year, however, an ambulance that has seen more than ten years' service around Oxford will set off for Mongolia. It will be amongst 500 vehicles taking part in the annual Mongol Rally organised by The Adventurists to raise money for charity. Along with the adventure, this is an important aspect of the event and in 2007 over £200,000 was raised. As well as supporting a nationally-nominated cause, the Oxford ambulance will be used to raise funds for the Douglas House, the hospice for young adults aged 16-35 in the city. Driving the ambulance is a team of four young men in their mid-twenties.

The ambulance has been donated by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS). The Fiat vehicle has been stripped of its blue light and sirens, but much of the basic emergency equipment remains, such as stretchers. When it reaches Mongolia it will be left there to continue service as an ambulance.

Explaining the reason for involvement by SCAS, the Trust's chief executive, William Hancock said:

'When our vehicles reach the end of their useful life, they are usually disposed of through the used vehicle trade as scrap. Their value is very little and certainly does not reflect potential continuing use. We are delighted to be able to make this vehicle available for the Mongol rally, especially, since it is also a way of supporting a very worthy local Oxford charity'

On behalf of the crew, Nick Hawkins said:
'My colleagues and I, who all met when students at Durham University, are excited by the prospect of this adventure. We will be driving across some of the most hostile terrain imaginable to reach Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, travelling more than 10,000 miles across some 15 countries The ambulance is not only an unusual vehicle for such a trip, but it will also meet a local need for ambulances. In the 2008 rally, there were three ambulances participating and these are still being used locally. We are grateful to SCAS for donating the vehicle and hope we get the support of the public to raise funds for Douglas House'.

Although SCAS has been able to store the vehicle at the Oxford Ambulance Station, the team is now looking for somewhere else to keep it whilst it is prepared for the rally. If anybody in the city can offer space on their premises, please call Nick Hawkins on 07855 470160 or 01865 511375.