Hardy Edinburgh ambulance staff to take on marathon in full kit with 10kg bags
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Two ambulance workers are set to take on a mammoth challenge, as they run the Edinburgh Marathon with their full kit and 10kg bags on.
Jack Falconer and Dominic Ballisat, both technicians with the Scottish Ambulance Service, will be setting off in the capital on Sunday, May 25. They're raising money for The Ambulance Service Charity, which aims to support the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of ambulance staff in the UK.
Dominic, who is based at Edinburgh Ambulance Station, told the Daily Record : "We decided to do the marathon to help raise money for TASC as we are grateful for the amazing work they do in supporting our colleagues and their families in their time of need."
Jack, who is based in Wick, added: "We decided to run with the kit bag, uniform and boots in order to make it more challenging in the hope it will raise awareness and support for TASC. It also highlights the mental and physical stress that ambulance personnel undergo on a daily basis."
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Dominic, who used to work at Thurso station, has run three previous marathons, but this will be Jack's first. Dominic said: "We have both been training with boots and trousers with a 10kg bag plus water. We expect it to be tough especially if it's hot, but nothing worthwhile is easy."
The charity operates independently, and receives no money from the NHS or ambulance services. It offers resources including mental health support, a 24/7 crisis helpline, access to rehabilitation for staff injured in the line of duty, and financial guidance.
Jasmin Rana, TASC's Head of Income Generation, said: "We're so grateful to Jack and Dominic for taking on this incredible challenge for TASC!
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"As a charity we receive no support from the NHS or ambulance trusts to provide our general services, which means we rely on our incredibly generous supporters to continue supporting our ambulance workers when they're struggling with their mental, physical or financial wellbeing.
"Thanks to Jack, Dominic and everyone who has supported them, almost £2,500 (including GiftAid) has been raised already, the equivalent of 46 hours of mental health support or 172 financial guidance sessions. From everyone at TASC, thank you."
Dominic and Jack's fundraising page can be found here.
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