63 miles at 63 years

Our specialist doctor and critical care paramedic team brought hospital-level care to Andrew at the roadside before he had even reached the hospital doors. It’s a moment Deryck hasn’t forgotten and in Spring 2026 he decided to embark on a personal fundraising challenge to support the service that stepped in at one of the most frightening moments of his family’s life.

“I didn’t know the air ambulance had been called but I remember arriving at the scene and saw people dressed in orange,” Deryck explains. “Andrew’s car had rolled several times and was in a ditch. I later learned that it was a crew from East Anglian Air Ambulance who took control of the situation.”

Our crew who provided treatment to Andrew at the scene before accompanying him by land ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further care. He was in neuro-intensive care for two days and spent two weeks in hospital. As he continued to make a good recovery, Deryck decided he wanted to give something back. After joining the Freemasons and being inspired by the organisation’s fundraising activity, he decided to draw on his previous running experience to raise money for East Anglian Air Ambulance.

“In my much younger days I used to run and enjoy marathons, but it felt unfair to ask people to donate to something that I really enjoy, so I thought about what else I could do,” Deryck says. “I was born in 1963 and I was going to be 63 in 2026 – so that’s how 63 miles at 63 years came about.”

Deryck signed up for the 13.1-mile Cambridge Half-Marathon on 8 March and decided he would walk the remaining 50 miles over the following two days, which fell on his 63rd birthday, to reach his target miles and fundraising.

“I told a senior Mason about it, principally so I couldn’t back out, and my plan was raised at several Freemason meetings, so now I was compelled to do it! My fundraising target was initially £500, so I was blown away when I quickly received a single donation of £300!”

As Deryck’s fundraising increased, so did his motivation and he received several comments from other parents who recognised that it could have been their son, daughter or family member who needed help from East Anglian Air Ambulance. This incredible sponsorship and encouragement from the people around him helped Deryck as he completed the half marathon around the beautiful city of Cambridge in a time of two hours, twenty minutes and 13 seconds.

The walk of 50 miles over the following two days was a quiet route which gave him the opportunity to reflect his family’s journey over the last year. Day two saw Deryck cover 33 miles from Cambridge to Ely along the River Cam and back again (“with a stop for a birthday burger and beer with his son at The Boathouse in Cambridge on the home strait!”) He said it was a beautiful walk and quite desolate in places. At this point he had a few blisters and muscles aching – but otherwise everything was good.

“I completed the final 17 miles on Tuesday, which was really tough going after Monday. I had to dig deep to find the resources to continue. The encouragement and donations from people spurred me on, as did the reason for doing this,” Deryck said.

He raised over £2,000 in total – far surpassing his initial target.

“People have been so very kind. Specialists from East Anglian Air Ambulance were responsible for bringing lifesaving treatment to my son when he was seriously injured. I am proud to raise money for them,” he added.

Thank you, Deryck, for your 63 miles of determination and kindness. Your fundraising will help to save lives.

If Deryck’s story has inspired you to take on your own personal fundraising challenge, there are plenty of ways to get involved. We’re fuelled entirely by donations, without any regular government funding, so your support powers every single mission.