One of those who is taking part in Trek 24 Suffolk on 18 May is 34-year-old Emma Rix from Lowestoft. Emma has a very special motivation for taking part, as she explains:

“After my auntie suffered a cardiac arrest in July 2023, I wanted to set myself a challenge and show my gratitude by raising money for the incredible East Anglian Air Ambulance. I looked online and found Trek 24.”

EAAA attended Emma’s aunt and transferred her by air to hospital for further treatment. The equipment carried by EAAA’s helicopters and rapid response vehicles enables enhanced care at the incident scene when the patient needs it most such as 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.

One in four of the medical emergencies to which the charity is tasked are cardiac arrests. Emma’s Auntie was one of the 500+ cardiac arrest patients attended by EAAA in 2023. She has since made a good recovery.

Emma and her husband, Chris will be taking part in Trek 24 Suffolk’s 24-mile challenge.

“We didn’t really know much about the air ambulance beforehand. We can’t thank them enough for their fast response and incredible work.” Emma continues.

“I haven’t done anything like this before for EAAA, so I’m really looking forward to it but a little nervous also! My husband and I are setting ourselves weekly goals in the gym and walks to build our strength and cardiovascular in time for Trek 24.”

“We are looking forward to joining the crowd who are also trekking the challenge to raise money and awareness for EAAA. We are hoping to raise £400. ”

EAAA receives no regular government funding, relying almost entirely on public support. The charity continues to see incredible support from people in the community, just like Emma, who go above and beyond to fundraise, volunteer their time and take part in events. Their Trek 24 fundraising challenge will save lives by bringing advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region by air and road.”

Emma adds: “We are so grateful to EAAA for responding so quickly. If their services weren’t available, my auntie’s outcome could have been very different.”

Trek 24 takes place in Bedfordshire (April), Suffolk (May) and Norfolk (June).

EAAA is also looking for volunteers to support the Trek 24 event days. If you’d like to learn more, please email volunteering@eaaa.org.uk.