Ambulance technician embarks on Arctic adventure

An intrepid medical technician at London Ambulance Service has set off on an Arctic expedition braving sub-zero temperatures, for the first in a series of endurance events to raise money for charity.

Rob Lewis, 62, hopes to complete a string of gruelling fitness challenges in 2024, calling it ‘6 in my 60s’, in support of the London Ambulance Charity.

He said: “I get involved in London Ambulance Charity events because I’m very fortunate to be so healthy and active.

“When I turned 60 years old a few years ago I set myself a ‘mission’ to do what I could through fitness and activities to stay that way and, of course, raise some funds to help my colleagues on the frontline.

“This week is the Arctic where I will be cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking in the snow and camping in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees.”

Earlier this month Rob ‘warmed up’ for his icy adventure by climbing the 52-metre O2 Arena in Greenwich alongside 80 Team LAS colleagues.

The event raised more than £20,000 for the London Ambulance Charity.

And there is no rest for Rob. When he returns from the Arctic, he will begin training for a 24-hour open water swim and will follow that with a 24-hour cycle ride.

All the money raised will help fund wellbeing initiatives for fellow staff and volunteers, such as wellbeing cafes and support vehicles which deliver wellbeing check-ins, hot drinks, and nutritious snacks to ambulance crews on the road and people answering 999 and 111 calls. The charity also provides financial hardship support, and helps save more lives by training communities in life-saving skills.

Always ready for a challenge Rob, who has worked for London Ambulance Service for a decade, recently joined the public education team.

In his new role, the inspiring clinician visits schools, community groups and other organisations across the capital to teach people what to do in an emergency and promote health and life-saving initiatives.

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said: “Rob is an incredible inspiration and has shown impressive dedication to fit his training round his busy job.

“By taking on this challenge he’s demonstrating the wonderful care our people show – not just to our patients – but also to colleagues.

“His fundraising for London Ambulance Charity will mean more wellbeing support for our hard-working staff and volunteers if or when they need it.”

You can support Rob through his JustGiving page.

For more information about supporting London Ambulance Charity please visit our website.