My name is Christopher Newman, I am an Emergency Responder Volunteer (ER), a trained Trauma Risk Management Practitioner (TRiM) and Mental Health First Aider. I am proud to have worked alongside the amazing staff of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) since 2014. If you want to learn more about the ERs and the incredible job they are doing in supporting the LAS, please keep reading all the way to the end! 

A charity run with a twist

On 7th April 2024 our #TeamLAS runners will be flying the flag for the London Ambulance Service at the London Landmarks Half Marathon! I have taken on a challenge to run the LLHM in full LAS uniform, including boots, and carrying a response bag weighing 13kg. This fully equipped operational response bag is packed with an oxygen cylinder and masks, airway adjuncts and other life-saving equipment.  Apart from running the half marathon dressed in green, with boots, oh, and with a slightly heavy response bag on my back, I would like to reach at least £5,000. If I manage to achieve this, I promise that am going to shave off my hair! 

Why am I doing this?  I regularly witness how the incredible LAS personnel react to 999 calls, attend them as crew and support others behind the scenes. Sadly, they don’t get as much support as needed, especially in terms of personal welfare. I am a major advocate of mental health and well-being. Hence, I would like to raise public awareness of the matter in relation to ambulance workers, to enhance LAS staff access to mental health tools and to help fund more mental health and welfare initiatives. 

What would I like from you?

I am asking you to make a donation and make a real lasting difference in the lives of our LAS.  This could be the cost of your morning coffee! Your support means that LAS can provide well-being initiatives to their staff at a time when they are experiencing extreme levels of work with little to no respite. Secondly, I would like as many of you, amazing peeps, as possible to spread the word and my link to your inner circles and community. So do give up the cost of a decent coffee and spread the word to support LAS staff and volunteers who try their hardest to deliver a world class ambulance service for a world class city! 

Can you sponsor me if you are a brand?

Yes, you can and please do! I have a very large green bag on my back and I would love your brand all over it! So, please do contact me and let’s help the LAS charity, let's work on mental health and well-being together! 

Who are ERs?

We are LAS-trained volunteers and attend a range of emergency calls in service uniform and in blue-light response cars.  There are approximately 114 ERs from different backgrounds, such as members of RaSP, pilots, medical students, serving members of the armed forces, accountants, entrepreneurs, police officers, facilities managers and so forth.  In 2023 we logged 12,137 volunteer hours and activated nearly 8,000 times to emergency calls.