It seems that charitable fundraising is spreading in our congregation this Summer!
Simone is raising money for St John Ambulance as part of a national fundraising event called “Every Step Counts”. St John Ambulance provides first aid training, first aid cover, and helps the NHS Ambulance Service.
I’ve joined St John Ambulance in 2013, and have done more than 1300 hours of volunteering since, mostly at the University of Essex but with the occasional off-campus shift. I have also volunteered as a Funds Officer and helped with running the University of Essex Unit.
I had always wanted to help people by doing first aid, and the dream came true thanks to St John Ambulance. I have had the chance to help all sorts of people, from drunk students to injured rugby players, and I am forever grateful for what I have learnt and what I was able to do.
As I look forward at my future with St John Ambulance, I want to ensure that they can keep providing care and training to as many people as possible for as long as possible, so I have decided to give back to them by helping in this national fundraising challenge.
The fundraising website St John is using for their national fundraising challenge is a little bit different: as it is linked with my step-counting watch you are able to support me with a one off donation, but also donate a certain amount of money per every number of steps I take. I have also hand-picked some distance milestones that felt “topical” and you can decide to donate only if I reach that milestone.
I’m happy to tell you more about my time with St John Ambulance (including the funny, slightly-yucky stories I have) if you see me at Church or around.
