More than 200 Londoners took part in the London Ambulance Charity’s first-ever fundraising walk on 8 September, raising nearly £25,000—enough to fund 15 life-saving defibrillators for local communities across the capital. The inaugural event dubbed the “London Life Hike,” was held in support of the London Heart Starters campaign, which aims to improve cardiac arrest survival rates across London.
The funds raised will enable the London Ambulance Service to purchase additional public-access defibrillators, vital tools in saving lives when someone’s heart stops beating. These devices will be distributed to neighbourhoods in London that need them the most, especially in so-called “defibrillator deserts” where access to life-saving equipment is severely limited.
Participants had the option to walk either 20km or 5km routes, both offering stunning views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. Before setting off from Battersea Park, walkers, or “Life Hikers,” received CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training and participated in other educational activities designed to raise awareness of cardiac arrest response.
Jess Burgess, Head of the London Ambulance Charity, highlighted the significance of the event: “Our Charity’s inaugural fundraising walk was an important moment for London Ambulance Service as we galvanised Londoners and their families to help us save lives while taking in incredible views of the capital’s iconic landmarks.”
Burgess added, “Every year, London Ambulance Service crews attend more than 14,000 cardiac arrests, and the efforts of our ‘Life Hikers’ will help us save more lives. A third of all cardiac arrest patients require a defibrillator, and we know that quick access to these devices in public places dramatically increases survival chances.”
Recent data from the London Ambulance Service has shown that many communities, particularly in deprived areas, have limited or no access to defibrillators, contributing to disparities in cardiac arrest outcomes. The Charity plans to collaborate with walk participants, local councillors, and community groups to install defibrillators in these high-priority neighbourhoods, ensuring they are readily available where they are most needed.
With the funds raised from the London Life Hike, the London Heart Starters campaign is expected to make a tangible difference in saving lives and improving survival rates for cardiac arrest patients across the city.
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