by Rapid Welding
5. September 2018 15:38
This coming weekend is set to be another big challenge for Rapid Welding's Business Manager, Marianne Edwards.
Back in May, Marianne took part in another Ultra Challenge series event. The 50 km walk around the Isle of Wight - a feat Marianne and fellow walker, Jane Griffin, accomplished in 9 hours and 58 minutes, managed to secure some incredible donations for Rapid's 2018 charity: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Now they're doing it all again, only this time it's a 100 km!
The Thames Path Challenge offers a choice of 25 km, 50 km and 100 km walks, and in true Rapid style Marianne decided to go large when entering. The 100 km route takes you from Putney Bridge to Henley, which I hear is a stunning route steeped in history and following England's most famous river is sure to be enjoyable. But it is 100 km, let's not forget. So while it's going to be an amazing achievement for all who take part and make it to the finish, it's also going to be a huge test of stamina and determination.
~ Our visit to the HIOWAA base ~
Marianne and Jane are hoping to complete the test in around 20 hours, and they've been putting in the practice to make sure they are physically up for the challenge. As for mental endurance, well, I know these girls and I'm 100% confident they'll be able to motivate each other from start to finish, and still finish smiling.
We'll let you know how it goes, and don't forget Marianne is participating to raise money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
So far the Rapid pot has reached £1585.06 of our £2500 target, but even if we exceed our goal we're not stopping. It costs in excess of £9000 a day to maintain this life saving service, and all that is down to donations from local communities. We'd be very grateful for any support, however large or small. If you would like to donate, please visit the Rapid Welding Just Funding page and help us make a difference.
Thank you for reading.
by Rapid Welding
8. June 2018 16:40
>>>>>> Marianne & Becca (right) with the HIOWWA crew <<<<<<
HIOWAA is Rapid's chosen charity for 2018, and we are fundraising throughout the year to raise money for this very valuable service. We have been very lucky to be invited to HIOWAA air base at Thurxton to learn first-hand about the charity and the work they do.
It costs approximately £9,000 a day to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives. They fly 365 days a year, on average three times a day, however it can be as many as eight. Without any government funding, they rely solely on donations from the public.
The critical care teams have received advanced training to be able to carry out more in-depth lifesaving actions than the regular ambulance service. The medical equipment they carry on board is also more advanced than the regular ambulance service, with a doctor present on 97% of flights.
HIOWAA recently had an extension of the service that they are able provide to the sick and injured of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with the arrival of the Critical Care Team Vehicle. This is crewed by a team of HIOWAA doctors and paramedics and has parallel capability to the Air Ambulance. The Vehicle provides the same enhanced care as that delivered by the Helicopter, but now able to get to the more difficult to reach urban areas.
>>>>>>>> Marianne checks out the on-board equipment <<<<<<<
During our visit we were able to visit the training facilities used by the critical care team; the immersive simulation suite uses multiple projectors and speakers which allows realistic incident scenes to be produced at the base. The extensive options range from being at the side of a busy road, in the middle of a nightclub, to a lakeside path, therefore giving the team a chance to experience situations they may encounter whilst carrying out their life saving roles. Training is carried out on life-like dummies with simulated patient monitors, which produce realistic information and training for continual training, experience and improvement. Regular training helps existing staff to stay sharp and to practice normally infrequently performed procedures such as open chest surgery.
>>>>>>>> Marianne experienced some hands-on training <<<<<<<
We would like to say a huge thank you to the team, they do a truly amazing job and it was a privilege to learn first-hand about the charity and the work they do.
HIOWWA is also Rapid's 2018 charity and we are fundraising all year round. If you wish to support us, we have set up a Just Giving page for anyone who wishes to donate and help us reach our target of £2,500 > Just Giving.