WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance pilot Elvis Costello completed a mammoth 30-mile dash last month to celebrate the charity’s 30th anniversary year.
Elvis, who turns 50 this year, braved the heat to run laps of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance airbase in Semington, totting up a total of 30 miles.
It was all geared towards recognising Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s 30th anniversary and raising funds for the lifesaving service.
He was supported on the run by several of his colleagues, including critical care paramedics Sophie Holt, Dan Tucker and Ben Abbott, plus volunteer doctor Reuben Cooper, who ran shifts alongside the pilot.
Elvis said, “I started at 7am so for the first 20 miles it wasn’t too hot, but it was certainly warm towards the end. The ground was very hard as well, which made it difficult on my feet. I was very grateful for the support of my colleagues, who were crucial in helping me when it was becoming tough. Sophie and Ben spent time running alongside me, while Doctor Reuben ran with me, then cycled for 30 miles before returning to run the final two miles with me.
“I’m so pleased with how everything went and I can’t thank everyone enough for donating to our important cause.”
The pilot had been running each day in the lead up to the 30-mile run.
He also roped in his son Reuben for support, with the youngster bouncing 30 times on a trampoline. He even managed to get 30 of his neighbours to engage in a star jump challenge – all at a safe social distance down the street.
At the airbase other pilots and paramedics have also been getting in on the act with ‘30’ themed activities, including Paramedic Lou Cox completing 30 laps of the helipad on a unicycle; Paramedic Craig Wilkins managing 30 laps carrying a 36lb primary bag and Paramedic Adam Khan joining Lou Cox for 3.0 minutes of juggling.
To donate to Elvis’ JustGiving page, visit: www. justgiving. com/fundraising/elvis-costello.
