A four-day fundraising event has raised over £118,000 for London’s Air Ambulance after 250 volunteers abseiled from Europe’s tallest helipad, on the roof of the Royal London Hospital.
Situated 17 floors and 305 feet above London’s Whitechapel is the home of London’s Air Ambulance, a charity organisation almost entitled funded by volunteers.
Each year, the charity invites members of the public, celebrities and those who have been in some way affected by the incredible work it does, to conquer their fears.
Comedian Hugh Dennis kick-started the event on Thursday morning, alongside TV’s Dr Hilary Jones and they were followed over the top by 250 volunteers.
It’s the sixth time the event has been run, as part of National Air Ambulance Week, with the tally this year being the highest raised so far.
A team of seven from SHP and Safety & Health Expo took on the challenge, as London’s Air Ambulance is the show’s official charity partner.
During the team’s time on the roof, the rather sobering sound of the alarm went off and the team of pilots and specialist doctors burst into life, rushing to the helicopter and to the scene of someone in need.
It really brought into focus what the money was being raised for and made the challenge all the more worth it.
The helicopter and rapid response vehicles are called upon an average of five times a day, at a cost of around £2,000 per call, treating the victims of some of London’s most serious incidents and accidents.
In its 29-year history, it has treated over 38,000 patients.
You can still contribute to the tally, by clicking here, or you can offer some of your time to take part in a research session, here.
A huge thanks to all who donated, the team from London’s Air Ambulance and the experts from Dolomite Training, who were on-hand to ensure the safety of the event over the four days.
Running such an important service should never have to rely on charity and donations or activities like this.
It should be financed by the state on a consistent and generous basis