South Central Ambulance Service taking on Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for The Ambulance Staff Charity

On 2nd September 2021, over 20 team members from across SCAS will begin the 7-day trek to climb almost 6000m up to the top of the mountain.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a very demanding and physical undertaking which will see the team journey through dense tropical rainforests, all the way to the snow-capped peaks. The team, led by Paramedics Quoc Vo and Juliet McGill, are completing their challenge to raise vital funds for TASC to continue providing services to support the UK’s ambulance staff, their family members and ambulance service volunteers. Quoc said:

“The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on my colleagues, and over the years I’ve seen the difference TASC can make; they are always there to help us and I wanted to do something to help them.

"I’ve always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and thought now would be the perfect time to tick something off my bucket list while raising funds for a fantastic cause to help them cope with the

increasing demands on their services.

"Even better is that I’m not doing it alone as several my colleagues are joining me on the climb to help raise money for TASC. This challenge is a year in the making. We’re not starting the climb until September next year, but the build-up, the training and the fundraising is key and starts now. Everyone is really excited and can’t wait to be on top of the mountain!”

Juliet said:

“TASC is such a great resource for us and I and a few of my colleagues wanted to do something together to raise money for such good cause.

"Climbing Kilimanjaro as a team gives us something to work towards and look forward to after the hard time we’ve all had in 2020. I can’t wait!”

The team are raising funds through their online JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamscasJasmin Rana, TASC’s Director of Income Generation and Supporter Engagement said:

“We’re so excited that the SCAS Team have chosen to fundraise for TASC! Demand for our services is growing year-on-year and in 2019/20 we provided 56% more interventions than the previous year.

"The team have set themselves a real challenge which looks set to be our biggest fundraiser ever, and the vital funds they raise will make such a big impact on the people we help.”

Hi-Tec Europe Ltd, the creators of the very popular brand Magnum boots worn by ambulance staff across the UK, are donating a pair of boots to each climber to help them on their way. Helen

Durant, Hi-Tec Europe’s European Marketing Director said:

“We are delighted to supply the South Central Ambulance Staff Team with their chosen Magnum Boots when embarking on their Kilimanjaro challenge next year. We wanted to support and

recognise the efforts of these individuals who been on the frontline during these unprecedented times.

"They are also raising funds for a worthwhile charity, TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity, that supports Ambulance staff in their time of need.”