Paramedics plea for Londoners to step up and help save lives this September

Paramedics are calling on Londoners to pull on their walking boots and take on an unforgettable challenge to help save lives across the capital.

The London Life Hike, organised by the London Ambulance Charity, returns on Saturday 26 September, with a choice of a 6km or 21km route through some of London’s most iconic sights.

Money raised will help fund lifesaving initiatives in local communities, including placing more public-access defibrillators into communities and teaching Londoners what to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

Samantha Palfreyman-Jones, Head of Community Resuscitation and also a Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, said:

“A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency where every second counts. Without immediate help, people will die.

“The most effective way to improve survival is simple: immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator.

“That’s why we’re asking Londoners to come together and help us train more people and install more life-saving equipment in the neighbourhoods that need them most.”

Starting and finishing in Southwark Park, the event offers something for everyone:

• A family-friendly 6km route, complete with a fun children’s “Explorer Challenge” activity trail and accessible for wheelchair users
• A more ambitious 21km route, taking in spectacular views along the River Thames and landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare’s Globe

Pauline Cranmer, Chief Paramedic, said:

“The London Life Hike promises to be a fun day out for everyone of all ages and abilities, and we’d urge Londoners to get behind us and support this great cause.

“If you, or someone you love, has ever needed the services of London Ambulance, this is a really fantastic way to say thank you to our wonderful teams.

“Previous years have seen people raised tens of thousands for local communities.

“It really does bring people together with a common aim to make our city a better place for cardiac arrest survival.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine whether they survive a cardiac arrest. And by taking part in the Life Hike, you can really make a difference to the number of defibrillators we have across London that are ready to be used in a life-threatening emergency.”

Registration is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family ticket. Children under the age of five can join for free.

There are also opportunities to support the event as a marshal or a helper at the start or finish line. To do this, please contacts us on [email protected].

Join the London Life Hike on Saturday 26 September. Sign up here or turn up on the day at Southwark Park Bandstand.