David’s Trek 24: Every step counts

David, who is age 58, does a lot of walking and simply “loves being outside.” He walked the Boudicca Way (36 miles between Norwich and Diss) last year with his brother, completed a daily walking charity challenge, has walked the Wherryman’s Way, and the 84 miles of the Norfolk Coastal Path in just six days – so his hiking boots are well and truly broken in!

“I first learned about Trek 24 when I was scrolling through Facebook one evening,” David explains. “I thought it would be nice to combine my love of the outdoors and raise some money for East Anglian Air Ambulance.”

Trek 24 offers participants the chance to walk a 2.4-mile (Norfolk only) family friendly, accessible route, 24-miles or 24 km through the beautiful countryside of the Norfolk Broads, with the second Trek 24 of the year being held on 7 June in Bedfordshire. The money raised by all those taking part will provide advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk by air and road.

From road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests to medical emergencies, EAAA’s specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots bring the advanced skills, equipment and medicine – normally only found in a specialist emergency department – directly to the patient’s side in the fastest time possible. The equipment carried by EAAA’s helicopters and critical care cars enables enhanced care at the incident scene – when the patient needs it most – such as blood transfusions, advanced pain relief, sedation and anaesthesia, and surgical interventions. This, combined with quick onward transfer to the most appropriate hospital, gives every patient treated by EAAA the best possible chance of surviving and recovering a life-threatening emergency. 

“Because I walk regularly, I’m pretty confident I can manage the 24-mile route,” David says.

David adds that his son has learning disabilities. This, combined with David working long hours means that Trek 24 offers him an ideal opportunity to meet and chat with new people.

“I don’t have many opportunities to make new friends, but walking is a brilliant way to meet people. Chatting is easier… sometimes people can’t shut me up!” David adds, “I don’t mind where I walk – but walking is peaceful, and it clears my head. I think I will feel pretty tired, but really proud when I crossed the finish line. It will be a great achievement!”