Duo flies through Airfield Anarchy military run in aid of the air ambulance

A DARING duo have raised more than £1,000 for the air ambulance.

Simon Manders and Chris Padley, of North Thoresby, ran the gruelling Airfield Anarchy at Newark Airfield in Nottinghamshire.

In the 10km military-style run, participants are tasked with getting over, under and through 30 different obstacles, including scaling tyre walls, 6ft fences, wading through ditches and navigating monkey bars.

The duo completed the run in memory of Chris's grandad, Colin West who died suddenly two years ago.

He too had raised money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, when he worked at the New Inn in the village, where both Simon and Chris also work.

Simon said: "Colin was an inspiration to me, and Chris and I wanted to continue raising money in his name for a service that does so much for so many.

"The Air Ambulance relies entirely on donations and without fundraising they wouldn't exist, so it was a pleasure to raise money for them."

The pair visited the helicopter base to present the team with a cheque for £1,100.

"The run was very challenging and hard work. Chris and I finished 155 and 156 out of 1,500 and we felt a great sense of achievement and pride once completing the gruelling course."

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service which first began flying operations in Lincolnshire in April 1994.

Based at RAF Waddington, the paramedics fly approximately 1,000 missions every year.

It is capable of flying at speeds of just under 160mph and can reach any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. For many this often means the difference between life and death.

Simon added: "Once finished we were already planning our next run, which is going to be in September in Nottingham.

"We'll be running a 10 mile mud run called Clash Of The Titan, and again will be running for the Air Ambulance."

A fun family event called Grandad's Fete will be held in memory of Colin at the New Inn on Sunday and Monday, August 24 and 25.

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