I think we can all agree that the past few years have been unusual, to say the least. The whole country has suffered through the pandemic and sacrifices have been made by all, but our paramedics, ECA's, logistics and everyone at SWASFT (South Western Ambulance
Services Foundation Trust) continue to work tirelessly to deliver an amazing service to all our patients and communities. 

Back in August 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, thirteen front-line staff decided to get together and do a charity trek to MACHU PICCHU and try to raise £10,000 for our local ambulance personnel and communities. The Machu Picchu team members are Donna Jordan, Leanne Bessell, Dianne Fant, Sharon Swanborough, Tracy Jarrett,
Gabriella Salmon, Abi Elliott, Helen Field, Rich Clark, Georgia Simpson,
Charlotte Cousin, Vicky Turner and Ian Hunt (a member of the fire service who along with some of his colleagues, have been supporting the ambulance service in recent years). The challenge will take place in May this year when the team will embark on a 45km trek called the Inca Trail located in the Peruvian Andes. This challenging trek will reach an altitude of 4200m. The temperature at that time of year ranges from 30 degrees centigrade during the day with a humidity of 80% and temperatures plummeting to 6 degrees or less at night. All
team members have fully self-funded this trip with 100% of all proceeds raised going to our local ambulance service charity.

The South West Ambulance Charity supports the trust in a number of different ways. The nature of the work done by the exceptional staff and volunteers means that they can often be exposed to traumatic and disturbing events. The charity works closely with SWASFT's Staying Well Service and it is important that each and every individual has access to a comprehensive range of help and support when they need it the most and your support can provide this. Patients and families frequently say that the personnel have gone 'above and beyond' or 'gone the extra mile' with their care, kindness, professionalism and often their humour. As the staff respond to the urgent and emergency healthcare needs of our communities, the charity is there to respond to the welfare needs of the amazing staff, from providing specialist counselling services and physical therapy to training bursaries and quiet spaces. 

The money raised will also be used to support our communities with defibrillator placement, maintenance and training across the region. Increased public access to defibrillators results in more people receiving a life-saving shock as quickly as possible, giving them the best possible chance of survival. 

It will also be used to support our Community First Responders (CFRs) who operate within the communities in which they live or work, often providing lifesaving emergency aid early and ahead of ambulance arrival. The CFRs are all trained and governed by SWASFT
and are called on at any time, night or day, helping to reach those
patients most in need. 

As a trekking team, they can be relied upon to do all the hard work. They will fund the trip themselves, they will get themselves into shape and they will train hard and complete this challenge. You can help by showing appreciation for the incredible things they do. If you would like to donate to their cause, it doesn't have to be much as every penny will get them closer to their target. All funds raised will be donated to the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucester local ambulance services and communities. Thank you for your engagement and we wish them all luck. :)