A kind-hearted pupil at The Bluecoat School has completed a month-long running challenge, raising nearly £900 for Magpas Air Ambulance. Hannah Trayford, an eight-year-old pupil at the Stamford school was motivated to run a mile a day following an inspirational talk from a Magpas paramedic.
The Critical Care Paramedic (CCP), Thomas Giddings, has been regularly visiting pupils as part of The Bluecoat School’s Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum to teach the children how to make a 999 call in the event of an emergency. Whilst he was there, Thomas explained to the children the role of a paramedic and how that role differs at Magpas. Thomas spoke to pupils about Magpas and explained how, as a charity they respond to emergency situations and the difference they make to people’s lives.
Hannah heard his talk and wrote a letter to Thomas asking further questions about becoming a paramedic, to which he kindly wrote back and answered. Hannah’s mum then saw that Magpas were running a fundraising event called ‘Run a Mile a Day in May’ with Hannah expressing a wish to complete the challenge and fundraise for the charity.
Speaking on why she chose to take part in this challenge, Hannah, who is in Year 3, said: “I knew I wanted to work in the medical profession, but I wasn’t sure what job I wanted to do.
“When Thomas came to talk about Magpas, I felt excited about the charity and what it does. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a critical care paramedic when I grow up. Because Magpas rely on donations, I wanted to try and raise some money so they can carry on their life-saving work.
“I feel proud of myself for doing this challenge as it was hard to run every single day. I am also really grateful to everyone who supported me.”
As a thank you for all of Hannah’s fundraising efforts which have so far raised nearly £900, Hannah’s mum Jacqui, Thomas and Year 3 class teacher, Michelle Giddings (who is also Thomas’s mum), surprised Hannah with a visit to the Magpas Air Ambulance operations base, where Hannah was able to sit in a helicopter, meet the team and discover how the funds she had raised were going to be used.
As a charity, Magpas Air Ambulance relies on generous public donations to enable the clinical team to continue saving lives across the East of England 24/7. By providing patients with advanced medical treatments and procedures swiftly, when time is of the essence, they give them the best chance of survival and can improve recovery times.
Hannah Disney, Marketing and Communications Officer for Magpas Air Ambulance, said: “From one dose of morphine that costs just a few pounds, to pieces of equipment and fuel that costs hundreds, even thousands of pounds – every penny raised through donations and challenges, such as Run a Mile a Day in May, for Magpas Air Ambulance really will make a lifesaving difference.
“We’re so incredibly grateful to have such fantastic supporters like Hannah, who help keep us flying every day. With you, we save lives.”
Emma Houlton, Principal at The Bluecoat School, which is part of Meridian Trust, said: “At The Bluecoat School, we aim to provide our pupils with a variety of educational experiences and visits in the hope it encourages them to pursue their future ambitions.
“We are delighted that Thomas’s visit inspired Hannah and are so proud of her for being an inspiration to her peers and embracing the challenge of fundraising for such a hugely worthwhile cause.”
To sponsor or donate to Hannah’s fundraising initiative, please visit: hwww.facebook.com/donate/385160056793628/10158619497262918/