Running for charity

Fourteen staff from across the London Ambulance Service took their place on the start line of this year’s Virgin London Marathon.

The runners took on the 26.2 mile challenge to raise over £10,000 for the Chief Executive’s Orpington-based charity, The Maypole Project which supports children with serious illnesses and their families by offering emotional support and practical advice. Frontline staff also worked with colleagues from St John Ambulance as they treated more than 5,000 runners and spectators.

Of the patients treated by St John Ambulance, more than 40 were taken to hospital, suffering from more serious conditions including fainting and suspected fractures.

Whipps Cross based Paramedic Andrew Brook completed the marathon in three hours 17 minutes. He said: “This was my first London marathon and I was really looking forward to it. It was a brilliant day, the sun was shining and the crowds were amazing.”

Forest Hill based Paramedic Chris Daniel completed the marathon in five hours 44 minutes. He said: “I feel so privileged to have been given this place and had the chance to run for such a worthy charity, The Maypole Project.”

Beverly Bryant, Patient & Public Involvement and Public Education Co-ordinator completed her second London marathon in four hours 39 minutes.