Supporters across the North West are hitting the streets to raise vital funds and awareness for the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA).
With the Great Manchester Run just around the corner, hundreds of dedicated participants from across the region are preparing to run the 10k or Half Marathon on May 18th.
Whether it’s their first 10K or another milestone race under their belt, every runner has a personal reason for supporting the charity. The charity relies on fundraising efforts like these to continue delivering critical care across the region.
Over 100 runners are taking on the Great Manchester Run in aid of NWAA and supporting their lifesaving work are four amazing runners, including Ethan Bhatt, 27 years old and from Wilmslow.
He’s taking on the Great Manchester 10k Run with his girlfriend’s dad, said: “I’ve never been a runner, never been anything that I’ve loved, but I do love a challenge. The charity is especially close to me because I wouldn’t be breathing without them, they saved my life.
“I don’t enjoy running, but I know that my legs work, and my body works. So, one day I decided, I’m going to give it a go. It’s a massive mental hurdle. The advice I’d give people is just keep your mind focused, and your body will perform. One of my mantras in life is, ‘if you train hard, you can fight easy’. It’s also not a race, so just do it at a pace which is comfortable for you.
“I wouldn’t be here without NWAA, so I owe the charity everything. I’m sure there are so many other people like me who were lucky enough to get the Air Ambulance called out to them. Myself and so many other people would not be alive without the North West Air Ambulance Charity.”
Star Regan,19 years old from Bolton is taking on the 10k run in support of the charity that saved her dad’s life. She said: “I’m taking on the 10k at the Great Manchester Run to give back to NWAA. My dad was in a car crash nearly two years ago now and without the help of the North West Air Ambulance, my dad wouldn’t be alive. So, I felt like I had to give back, as my dad’s life was nearly taken away from us; from me and my sisters.
“I feel quite excited but determined, as it’s the first time taking on a running event like this. I’d encourage people to take on a charity challenge and think about how fortunate you are. I suppose it’s nice to give back to people all the time but think about those people who have suffered. This challenge is deeply personal to me, so I’m going to keep training and it’s just a case of keeping going, not stopping.”
Bethany Barr, 30 years old from Manchester, is aiming to raise funds for the charity after the charity’s crew attended to an accident involving her daughter. Bethany said: “I’m running the 10km at the Great Manchester Run to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance because naively I didn’t realise it was a charity until I needed it. I just thought it was part of the NHS service, but then my daughter had a terrible accident in September last year and NWAA came to help us.
“My daughter’s nursery is fully behind me, on the Friday before the run all her friends at nursery are wearing ribbons and clothes to match the colours of the charity as well. She might only be three, but she’s fully invested in giving back as well. Every time I go on a run, I’m putting the fundraising link on my Instagram story. I’m nearly at £600 in sponsorship so far, but I want to try and get to £1,000, that’s my goal.
“If you’re taking on a challenge, the advice I’d give is to support an organisation that means something to you and give back to those who have supported you when you’ve needed it. And just be a champion for everyone else who might need it in the future.”
George Green, 32 years old from Bolton, is taking on the challenge of the Half Marathon at the Great Manchester Run whilst raising awareness for the charity. He said: “ I used to be in the army so I was at my peak fitness probably about 10 years ago and it’s gotten away from me lately. But I just wanted to give it a go. I enjoy running in my spare time and I do park runs every other Saturday.
“I’ve done a couple of 10ks that were properly timed ones, but I’ve never gone as far as a half marathon. I’m raising money for NWAA because I can’t believe they’re a charity and it amazes me that the charity isn’t government funded.
“Also, my workplace has promised me an extra £250 which is doubling what I’ve already raised. I’m really chuffed with that! It’s not just about helping other people, for me, it’s done wonders for mental health, getting back into exercise again.”
As these incredible runners gear up for race day, their commitment highlights the lifesaving work of the North West Air Ambulance Charity.
Whether you’re cheering them on, making a donation, or thinking about signing up next time, every bit of support helps keep the crews ready to save lives.