The Rev'd Andrew Birks, Vicar of Melbourn and Meldreth, ran over 123 miles during April 2024 in aid of Magpas, reaching his fundraising target of £500 within just a few days, then smashing his updated target of £1000 too!
Andrew was delighted to raise so much cash for this worthwhile cause, which he says also encouraged him to 'get a bit fitter and get my running shoes on', nearly every day in April to reach his 123 mile target! Although his ambitious running challenge has now been completed - raising a huge total of £1,132 plus Gift Aid - you can still donate to this worthy cause via Andrew's JustGiving page.
Andrew told us more about why he chose to support the Magpas charity:
Every day, the Magpas Air Ambulance team saves lives across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and the East of England 24/7. Before becoming a priest, I was a police officer. I started my role as a PC in Cambridgeshire Police working out of Histon and Cambridge Police Stations. During my time in the police I attended many incidents where Magpas attended and offered lifesaving emergency treatment. Having recently returned to the area to take up my post as Vicar of Melbourn and Meldreth Parishes, I am pleased to see that Magpas is still flying and still saving lives, but they can only do this with the support of donations.
Operating 24/7, the charity answers an average of four calls for help a day, treating around 900 patients in life-threatening emergencies every year.
Magpas Air Ambulance serves the communities of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and across the East of England and is dispatched by both the East of England and the East Midlands Ambulance Service Trusts—caring for a population of over 10 million.
Their advanced medical team combines the skills of a senior doctor and critical care paramedic on every shift. All members of the team are specially trained in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) and support the ambulance service by bringing advanced medical care directly to their patients’ side when time is of the essence.
As I have said, Magpas can only continue to keep flying with your support. Please consider donating today and help me to support those who help us in our time of need.