It’s that time of year again: the iconic London Marathon, in which over 42,000 runners will challenge themselves to complete the 26.2-mile route around the capital.

We are extremely proud and thankful to have 4 supporters taking part in this famously gruelling feat. Each have their own story and reason for choosing to support Devon Air Ambulance, read on to find out more and how you can support them.

Mark Hawkins from West Devon

In 2014 Mark had the misfortune of requiring the assistance of Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) when he fell from an upstairs window to a patio below and landed on his head. He was conveyed to Derriford where he was treated for a head injury and fractured vertebrae.

Thankfully, Mark has gone on to make a full recovery and over the past 3 years has become an avid runner, undertaking many marathons whilst raising funds for DAA. In March 2019 Mark completed the Barcelona Marathon for the second year, and on the 28 April he will be running the iconic London Marathon, his 6th marathon to date.

Mark's training has involved many miles on very tired legs and he's encountered numerous injury niggles along the way, but his determined focus to complete the course, whilst raising as much as possible for DAA, remains. He said:

All (the marathons) have involved fundraising for your wonderful organisation who did so much for myself. I've so many lovely people who have supported me over this 3-year journey, and who continue to do so. I'm forever in their debt, as I am to DAA.

You can support Mark via his online giving page 

Nikki Routledge from North Devon

In 2014 Nikki’s daughter Evie, who was just approaching her third birthday, was kicked in the head by a horse. Thankfully, Evie was wearing a riding hat, but the horse’s hoof had caused a deep gash in Evie’s forehead.

Evie was airlifted to the RD&E, where thankfully it was determined that Evie had suffered no serious injuries or lasting damage as the riding hat had taken most of the impact. After receiving the expert care of the maxillofacial surgeons and an overnight stay, Evie was discharged.

Evie went on to make a full recovery and in the year that followed Nikki set about fundraising for DAA. Since Evie’s accident two of Nikki’s close friends have also required the assistance of DAA, making them once again the obvious charity of choice for Nikki’s fundraising.

Not a London Marathon novice, Nikki began running in 2013 when she set herself the goal to complete it before she turned 40, fulfilling her goal the same year. Since then Nikki has kept up her running and completed several mid-distance triathlons, half marathons and marathons. Nikki said:

While all of the above sounds quite impressive, I really am incredibly slow moving - my first London Marathon time was 5 hours 27 mins! I hope I might in some small way make a difference to others' lives through fundraising. I would simply ask that if I inspire you in a small way to donate to my fundraising link and keep the Devon Air Ambulance in our skies.

You can support Nikki via her online giving page 

Kirsten Smart from South Devon

Because she lives in South Devon, Kirsten is aware of the importance of the Air Ambulance in getting help to those in places which land ambulances are unable to access easily or quickly. As an A&E nurse Kirsten sees firsthand how the Air Ambulance saves lives.

Inspired through her work, Kirsten has selected to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance and has set her fundraising target at £800.

You can support Kirsten via her online giving page

Kevin Reed from North Devon

We've yet to receive Kevin's story, which we hope to share with you soon. 

You can support Kevin via his online giving page 

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