Marathon runners raise over £30k for London Ambulance Charity

Inspirational runners took to the streets of the capital for the London Marathon on Sunday (26 April) to raise over £30,000 to support ambulance crews and call handlers who care for Londoners.

Huge crowds cheered on the 10 #TeamLAS runners, which included staff members and people who were running in honour of the London Ambulance crews who treated their families.

The team joined the 59,000 other marathon runners to conquer the iconic 26-mile race from Cutty Sark in Greenwich to the Mall in central London.

Money raised for London Ambulance Charity helps ensure paramedics and call handlers can access support when they need it and funds life-saving equipment for local communities – enabling our clinicians to continue delivering the best possible care to Londoners every day.

Among the other runners was Catherine Blazye, who raised a whooping £9,600 for the charity after her mum Beatrice collapsed suddenly at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and she needed life-saving care from London Ambulance Service.

Stuart Crichton, Director of 999 Operations at London Ambulance Service, raised an impressive £5,000 for the London Ambulance Charity. Stuart signed up to take part 10 years ago but had to drop out due to an injury.

Stuart said: “The Marathon was exhilarating and I’m incredibly proud to have finally completed it after all this time preparing and the false starts all those years ago.

“I’m glad all the training paid off. I would like to thank all my family, friends and colleagues who have shown me nothing but support and to everyone who has helped with my fundraising target.

“It’s quite unbelievable!”

In preparation for the big day, Stuart took part in a unique endurance challenge – running the entire length of the Northern line from High Barnet to Morden via Charing Cross. And when he joined for this year’s marathon, he made significant lifestyle changes and lost six stone in the process.

Jess Burgess, Head of Charity at London Ambulance Charity, said:

“Thank you to all of our incredible runners who took on this mammoth challenge to raise funds for our frontline crews, and to help make a difference for local communities across London.

“You are helping us be there for your loved ones in those life-threatening emergencies.

“And if you feel energised by the Marathon – why not take part in our other fundraising events such as our Dragon Boat Race?”

Help us raise money for frontline crews and local communities by joining London Ambulance Charity’s Dragon Boat Race this summer. Sign up on our dedicated Charity website here.