The Pedalling Paramedics, about to set off on a 999-mile charity mission visiting ambulance trusts around the UK.
A team of heroic paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) NHS Trust off today on a fund-raising 999-mile cycle marathon – with a little help from local Mercedes-Benz Dealer Orwell Truck & Van.
The eight, super-fit riders left EEAS headquarters in Cambourne, near Cambridge, bound for their first overnight stop at Sheffield, 130 miles away.
They aim to visit all 10 UK ambulance trusts over the next nine days, during which they will be supported by colleagues driving a pair of specially liveried, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles donated by Orwell – one is a nine-seat Vito Traveliner minibus, the other a Long-bodied Sprinter van.
The self-styled Pedalling Paramedics have being training hard for their latest challenge, during which they will be raising awareness of, and cash for, the Ambulance Services Benevolent Fund. This helps serving and retired NHS ambulance personnel and their dependents, in times of exceptional hardship, poverty or need.
Among those taking part is Matt Broad, General Manager for Norfolk Paramedics, who says:
“We’re hugely grateful for the support of Orwell Truck & Van, without which the ride just wouldn’t be possible.
“These vehicles will be invaluable, not only for carrying spares, tools, medical supplies and other equipment, but also for ferrying us to and from social events at each of our destinations.”
The Pedalling Paramedics have already raised thousands of pounds for the Benevolent Fund, by completing rides from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2012, and from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower last year.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Orwell Truck & Van, the German manufacturer’s official commercial vehicle representative for East Anglia, is a leading supplier to EEAS, and currently processing orders for more than 250 front-line ambulances based on 5.0-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, as I highlighted in a recent article, “What type of van makes the best ambulance?“.
For photos from the ride, more information or to make a donation, visit the Pedalling Paramedics’ website.