Councillor’s Andes quest for Sussex Air Ambulance
The new vice chairman of the Wealden District Council, Councillor Mrs Pat Kennedy, will be heading for the clouds this October in order to raise money for this year’s Chairman’s Charity, the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal.
The Buxted and Maresfield Councillor is undertaking a gruelling trek to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in the mountains of Peru, taking her to heights of over 4,000 metres
“Some people think all local councillors do is sit around and talk. So this may surprise them,” said Councillor Mrs Kennedy. “I am going to walk…and hopefully help raise enough money to ensure that the people of Sussex can benefit from lifesaving equipment that is already available to the people of nearly every other county in England.”
Cllr Mrs Kennedy has already started training for the Inca Trail in the Andes, mixing walking with yoga lessons at Uckfield Freedom Leisure Centre.
“This will be a tremendous ordeal for me,“ she admitted. “I hate flying, and I hate heights, and I hate insects – and I understand there some pretty scary creepy-crawlies out there.”
“But to help secure a dedicated air ambulance for Sussex will be worth it. As the roads in the southeast become increasingly congested, it is much more difficult to rush anyone to hospital. A dedicated Air Ambulance for Sussex is the answer. It will be like a 21st century lifeboat for a county increasing becoming marooned by traffic.”
Cllr Mrs Kennedy is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Air Ambulance Appeal. One way Cllr Mrs Kennedy is hoping to raise some money will be through a unique Non-Event taking place – or not taking place - on this Friday, July 15. The Non-Event is a fund raising event in which Cllr Mrs Kennedy is asking well-wishers NOT to attend …but still pay for the privilege!.
Cllr Mrs Kennedy has worked as a fundraiser for the Cancer & Leukaemia in Children charity, now known as CLIC Sargent, and is determined to put her experience to good use for Chairman, Councillor John Vincent‘s charity, the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal.
The Kent Air Ambulance wants to start providing lifesaving cover to the county by September, but this will only happen it can raise raises £50,000 in the next three months.
If it can raise enough by March 2006, it will place an order for a dedicated Sussex helicopter, to be based near Gatwick. Once operational, the air ambulance will rely entirely on charitable donations for support.
To support Councillor Mrs Kennedy’s Air Ambulance Trek, cheques made to the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal can be sent to:
Cllr Mrs Pat Kennedy.
Wealden District Council,
Pine Grove,
Crowborough
East Sussex TN6 1DH.
