A DETERMINED nine-year-old girl has taken on the tough challenge of walking half a marathon in aid of the Oxfordshire-based Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA).
Isla Allen from Wheatfield near Thame has now completed the 13 mile walk in one day to raise lifesaving funds for the charity which flies critically ill babies and children from one hospital to another for urgent specialist care.
Accompanied by her dad Tom, Isla started her half marathon challenge from her home in South Oxfordshire, she then walked out to Watlington, and back.
Isla and her dad kept to a route mainly filled with beautiful countryside.
The young fundraiser has raised almost £2,000 for the cause.
When asked why she undertook this impressive challenge for the Children’s Air Ambulance, Isla said:“When the Children’s Air Ambulance team came to my school, they really inspired me to want to raise money and help poorly babies and children across the country.”
With her target set at £450, Isla is delighted to have completed the challenge in one day – without complaining – and raising an impressive £1,195.
Isla added: “I feel very proud – it feels good to have done something so amazing.”
Isla and her sister Lara are both members of #TheCrew, which is an exciting club for children linked to the lifesaving air ambulance charity.
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The siblings were inspired to join the club when the charity hosted an assembly at their school.
As part of #TheCrew, children can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising, and how a charity works. The club offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team, and supporting good causes which form part of many school curriculums.
Youth Development Manager for TCAA, Anoushka Brown said: “Isla is truly inspirational by taking on such a tough challenge and raising a fantastic amount for the charity, especially during a difficult time for everyone – we are incredibly grateful.
“We are also very happy that both Isla and Lara are enjoying being members of #TheCrew.”
She added: “It is completely free to join and, once signed up, members will receive an awesome welcome pack.”
The Children’s Air Ambulance provides a lifesaving transfer service for critically ill babies and children, their service also flies medical equipment to their patients when they are too ill to travel.
So far in 2021, the air ambulance charity has completed 777 missions across the UK, that includes 12 Children’s Air Ambulance missions from its Oxford base. The Children’s Air Ambulance receives no funding from the government or National Lottery for its missions, it and relies on voluntary donations to raise the £3,500 needed for every mission.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the lifesaving charity or sign up to #TheCrew, can call 0300 3045 999 or visit www.childrensairambulance.org.uk
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