The London Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world with over 40,000 people taking part, but one runner might just stand out from the crowd… Will Hicks chose to support GWAAC after his dad was attended by our critical care team; inspiring him not just to run the London Marathon, but to run it in a helicopter costume and fundraise for us in the process!

Will started the year excited to be running in the London Marathon. He embarked on a training regime with the aim of beating his personal best time of 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Then in February, the worst happened. His dad suffered a cardiac arrest and the GWAAC crew were called to his home where they were able to treat him before taking him to Bristol Royal Infirmary. Sadly, Will’s dad didn’t make it and passed away a few days later. It was a huge shock to the whole family.

Inspired by the work of GWAAC’s Critical Care Team that day in February and with two months until the marathon, Will changed his plans and got in touch with us. Will informed us that he would like to raise money in memory of his dad — not only running the marathon for us, but doing it in a helicopter costume!

While people have run as our Charlie Bear mascot in the past, this will be the first time someone runs as a helicopter! Will and his family have already got out the papier mache and piping and started prototyping!

And with the marathon around the corner, Will is ready to run. He has raised over £15,000 for GWAAC so far… and is working hard to hit his target of £20,000! That will be enough to fund ten missions.

“This was a very sudden shock for all of us. Although he partied until the last 48 hours and was doing something he loved (recycling). The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity were fantastic, could not be faulted – and Dad would be proud that his last ever trip was in a helicopter!

Any money would be greatly appreciated, as we would really love to help anyone else in these dire circumstances.”

If you would like to read more and support Will’s journey, visit his JustGiving page.