NORTH Somerset emergency service workers are on track to tackle Peru's Inca Trail to raise money for South Western Ambulance Service.

It is hoped that the workers could raise £10,000 to help support the frontline organisation, which has worked tirelessly through the pandemic to help save lives, often to the detriment of themselves.

In a study undertaken by Mind, ambulance staff were the most likely to say their mental health has worsened since the start of the coronavirus pandemic compared to staff from the police and fire service.

The self-funded trek, which is planned to happen in May, is 28 miles (45km) long and leads to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

 

The team includes 11 paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), as well as people from Bristol and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

The adventurers include student paramedic Donna Jordan and paramedics Leanne Bessell, Tracy Jarrett, Sharon Swanborough, Abi Elliott, Gabriella Salmon, Dianne Fant, Richard Clark, Helen Field, Georgia Simpson, and Charlotte Cousins.

Former SWASFT Emergency Care Assistant Vicky Turner, and Ian Hunt from Avon Fire & Rescue Service, are also in the team.

North Somerset Times: Training!Training! (Image: South Western Ambulance Service)

Donna says: “Back in August 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, thirteen of us decided to get together to try to raise £10,000 for our local ambulance stations and colleagues as a thank you for everything they all do.

"We’re determined to complete the challenge."

“We’d love any support you can offer. It doesn't have to be much, as every penny will get us closer to our £10,000 target.”

Zoe Larter, head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, adds: “Our crews always go the extra mile but the Inca Trail is exceptional even by their standards.

"It will help the South Western Ambulance charity to enhance working environments, provide outdoor space for crew breaks at ambulance stations, and support the health and wellbeing of our people, who work so hard every day in what can often be stressful and challenging jobs."

North Somerset Times: The team at South Western Ambulance ServiceThe team at South Western Ambulance Service (Image: South Western Ambulance Service)

SWASFT's county commander for BNSSG, Sarah Jenkins, says: "I am in awe of this amazing expedition and I wish the team the very best of luck."

Donations, big or small, can currently be made on the South Western Ambulance Charity's Just Giving page.