KEEN runners who would like to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase can do so by taking part in the New Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday 3 September 2017.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance has free places available for people wishing to run while at the same time helping the charity towards completing its fundraising appeal for the new airbase at Semington, near Melksham.
The New Swindon Half Marathon has been revived for 2017 with a new route that takes in some of the town’s landmarks.
Starting at Swindon Town’s County Ground the course includes the historic railway works,
Outlet Village, Old Town and a downhill finish to Wharf Green in the town centre.
Kenresa Stratford, Fundraising & Events Coordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the New Swindon Half Marathon 2017. There’s considerable interest in the event which has a brand new route this year.
“Runners who want to join our team will be raising funds to enable us to complete the building and equipping of our new airbase at Semington. We still need to raise just under £900,000 for our Airbase Appeal so if you would like one of our places and help build a better future for your local air ambulance, please get in touch with us.”
Runners need to raise a minimum of £175 for the Airbase Appeal.
To secure a place in the New Swindon Half Marathon email [email protected] or call 01380 739453.
Matt Swift, of St Andrew’s Ridge, Swindon, is one of the runners who is taking part for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and this will be his first half marathon.
Matt, 33, said: “I have always taken part in sports but only this year have I become more keen on running. With the Swindon Half being my first half marathon I wanted to challenge myself. I have been running three times a week and I wanted a challenge to focus my efforts over the summer.”
Matt, who works at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital as a Cardiac Physiologist, is delighted to be supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance. He already plays the charity’s lottery.
He said: “I have long been a supporter of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The advanced procedures that the crews can perform on patients before they are taken to hospital is incredible.
I have also seen the work of Wiltshire Air Ambulance first hand when they have brought heart attack patients to the cath laboratory at Swindon.
“I think the new custom-built airbase at Semington is vital for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and its continued service to the people of Wiltshire. I don’t think many people appreciate that the funding of Wiltshire Air Ambulance is predominantly from donations. Anyone of us could need the air ambulance at any time and it’s vital that it has the finance and resources to continue.”
