We are a mixed five rowing the Pacific from Monterey in California to Kauai in Hawaii in June 2023.

Four of us have already rowed the Atlantic, in different crews across three different years. We all became friends through the experiences we share and have now joined together to take part in Atlantic Campaigns’s inaugural Pacific Challenge. We Row in support of our respective regions Air Ambulance.

Despite being one of the UK’s first emergency responders, each Air Ambulance is not part of the NHS, is devoid of government funding and relies on the fundraising efforts of those it serves. However, when that red phone rings (it really is red!), they will treat anyone, anywhere, at anytime (within their own safe operating hours).

Whether you’re a resident in a county, visiting on a ‘staycation’, or just travelling through, the Air Ambulance may not be something you think too much about, until you or a loved one needs to…..

More than a method of quick transport, air ambulances bring the A&E department to an incident by carrying specialist equipment, drugs, doctors and critical care paramedics to a scene to ensure a patient not only receives the intensive care they require within the vital first minutes after an incident, but is then able to transport the patient to the best hospital for their injuries expeditiously, even if that’s within another region.

Not only do they work physically with other air ambulances by attending incidents in neighbouring counties, either in conjunction with or to assist if their own is unable to attend, but all charities are part of Air Ambulances UK who provides a collective national voice across the air ambulance sector and works with its members to improve patient outcomes every day.

Therefore, although we’re raising funds for the four regions of our crew members (Cornwall Air Ambulance, Devon Air Ambulance, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Wales Air Ambulance), anyone who wishes to contribute knows that every penny raised could potentially help anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

Our page is supported by Air Ambulances UK, the national charity supporting the vital work of the nation’s 21 air ambulance charities, who will divide funds raised between our four charities.