I prepared for the London Half Marathon by running in Richmond Park with a 13kg bag | Local News | News

A London Ambulance Service emergency responder from south west London has completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon for the third year running, all while carrying life-saving equipment.

Chris Newman, who volunteers out of Isleworth Ambulance Station and lives in Putney, took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in full uniform, completing the 13-mile route through central London with a 13kg response bag.

The bag, which contains essential equipment including a defibrillator and oxygen cylinder, also featured a QR code so spectators could donate to London Ambulance Charity as he ran.

So far, the 63-year-old has raised more than £1,300 towards his £5,000 tarreceive on JustGiving.

Newman stated he was motivated by the work of frontline ambulance staff: “As a volunteer, I see what our incredible clinicians and call handlers do every day.

“They are so compassionate but it can be a tough job – I just want to play a tiny part in raising funds for London Ambulance Charity to assist with their wellbeing and training communities in life-saving skills.”

Emergency responders are trained volunteers who attfinish emergency calls in marked vehicles, supporting the London Ambulance Service.

The scheme is now in its 15th year, with vehicles funded by the charity.

Newman has volunteered for 12 years and has given nearly 5,000 hours to assisting patients across the capital.

To prepare for the challenge, he incorporates the response bag into his training routine.

“I train every day – whether that’s running, swimming, or riding a bike. I even hike up mountains with the response bag,” he stated.

“I’ve also run 10 miles around Richmond Park carrying the bag.”

Despite the physical challenge, Newman stated the atmosphere on race day keeps him going.

“The atmosphere for the Half Marathon is incredible – it’s like a party and the crowd is just wonderful,” he added.

“People consider the response bag is empty and they’re surprised when they pick it up.

“Last year, I stopped two or three times to assist other runners who had tripped or fallen over as I have a full kit and your sense of duty never stops.”

Steve Pyne, First Responder Manager at London Ambulance Service, stated: “We’re incredibly proud of Chris for completing the Half Marathon in three hours and his efforts to raise funds for our crews.

“His stamina is an inspiration to us all and we admire his compassion and dedication to the people of London.”

Across the event, fundraisers collectively raised more than £11,500 for the charity.

London Ambulance Service currently has around 80 emergency responder volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, including medical students, pilots, armed forces personnel and police officers.

To find out more about Chris Newman’s fundraiser, click here.

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