A North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) critical care paramedic is preparing to swap emergency callouts for the open ocean after securing a place in one of the world’s toughest endurance events.
Richard Askew, from Liverpool, will take part in the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2027-28, a 40,000-nautical-mile challenge that sees amateur sailors race around the globe over 11 months.
The race, which begins in autumn 2027, will see Richard join an international crew crossing some of the world’s most challenging oceans, facing everything from towering waves and powerful storms to the testing conditions of the Doldrums. Despite having only limited sailing experience, he will undergo extensive training to prepare for the challenge ahead.
For Richard, who works on the frontline delivering enhanced pre-hospital care to seriously injured and unwell patients across the North West, the race represents both a personal challenge and an opportunity to raise awareness of a cause close to his heart.
Richard said: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and challenging myself. The Clipper Race provides a unique experience which will allow me to push myself on a scale I’ve never encountered before.
“What really appeals to me is the opportunity to learn something completely new. My sailing experience is very limited, so the idea of going from where I am now to becoming part of a crew racing around the world is both daunting and incredibly exciting.
“The race will take us across some of the world’s most challenging oceans and to places that very few people ever get the chance to see. Being out there, away from everything, pushing your own boundaries and working together as a team is a challenge that really resonates with me.”
The Clipper Race is renowned for taking people from all walks of life, many with little or no sailing experience, and transforming them into ocean racers through an intensive training programme. Richard believes many of the skills required during the challenge mirror those he uses every day as part of NWAA’s critical care team.
He said: “In my role with NWAA, I’m fortunate to work alongside exceptional people every day. We often find ourselves in high-pressure situations where teamwork, communication and trust are essential. I think many of those skills will transfer to life on board, where you’ll rely on those around you and spend months working closely together toward a common goal.”
Through his role, Richard has witnessed first-hand the impact NWAA has on patients and families across Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Unlike many emergency services, the charity receives no NHS funding for its day-to-day operations and relies entirely on public donations to continue operating its lifesaving service.
He said: “While I’m excited about the adventure, the biggest reason I’m doing this is to raise awareness of NWAA. Every day I see first-hand the difference the charity makes to patients and their families. When people need us most, we’re there to provide enhanced, lifesaving care, but that simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our communities.
“The charity is funded entirely by public donations, so raising awareness during this journey is incredibly important to me. Without that support, the service simply wouldn’t exist.”
Over the next two years, Richard will document his training, fundraising efforts and race preparation through his social media channels, @RichInTheElements, before sharing updates from the race itself.
Lauren Forecast said: “At Lancashire Tea, we’re passionate about supporting wellbeing, resilience and people who are prepared to go the extra mile, so Richard’s challenge immediately resonated with us.
“Taking on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a remarkable undertaking. It will test him physically and mentally, but those are qualities we see in his work as a critical care paramedic every day.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Richard on this journey and help him raise awareness of the lifesaving work carried out by NWAA. We can’t wait to follow his adventure and cheer him on every step of the way.”
Looking ahead to the challenge, Richard admits there is a healthy respect for what lies ahead.
He added: “But as soon as that yacht leaves the dock and we set sail, it all becomes real. That’s the moment I’m most looking forward to. It’s the start of an incredible adventure, and hopefully one that will raise vital funds and awareness for a charity that’s very close to my heart.”
Supporters can follow Richard’s journey, take part in fundraising activities and help raise awareness of NWAA by following Rich in the Elements on social media.
Every share, donation and message of support will help shine a spotlight on the charity’s lifesaving work across the North West while supporting Richard as he prepares for the challenge of a lifetime.
To support Rich’s Clipper Race Challenge and help save more lives across the North West please visit his page.