Two Keele Community First Responders (CFRs) are preparing to take on very different fund-raising challenges, to raise money for their scheme.
Jake McCandless and Chris Wyatt are taking on challenges that couldn’t be much further apart in terms of extremes, but both which require very different skillsets.
Bravery will very much be the order of the day for Jake as he prepares to take to the skies on Friday (8th March) to complete a skydive from 13,000ft, on what is his 20th birthday.
Chris meanwhile, will need lots of physical and mental resilience, ahead of him taking on all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon on Sunday, 21st April.
Looking ahead to his skydive, which will take place in Peterborough, Jake said: “Obviously Friday is a special day for me being my 20th birthday, but this seems like a great way to remember it.”
It is a big challenge as I am terribly scared of heights, but I feel like it is a case of go big or go home.
“However, the decision to do it and try to raise money for the scheme is based on the fact that we solely rely on donations to maintain our response vehicle and provide our volunteers with the resources needed to attend life-threatening emergencies.”
Ahead of taking to the streets of London next month, Chris said: “This is the biggest challenge I have ever set myself, to run a full marathon. I’ve always wanted to do one so was pleased to be successful in the ballot to get a place.”
“It is going to be a very personal challenge for me as over the past few years I have wanted to get myself in shape, but so far failed. However, I am determined this time will be different and that I will be a healthier and stronger person.”
CFRs are volunteers who respond to emergency 999 calls within their local community on behalf of the ambulance service.
Keele CFRs are made up of students and members of the community who respond to incidents throughout Keele University, Keele, Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Madeley and the surrounding areas.
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