Great North Air Ambulance Service

Joseph Sayer, a 21-year-old from Middlesbrough, is set to lace up his running shoes once again to participate in the iconic Great North Run on behalf of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). With an impressive track record that includes completing the Paris and Munich Marathons, Joseph is poised to take on this new challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

Working as a member of the Recognition PR team in Darlington, he consistently demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact in his community. As he gears up to participate in the Great North Run, he aims to raise awareness and funds for the Great North Air Ambulance, an organisation renowned for providing critical and lifesaving medical services to those in need across the region.

The Great North Run, one of the most celebrated half marathons in the world, will take place on the 9^{th of} September. Joseph’s previous marathon experiences have prepared him for this endeavour, and his dedication to running for a cause aligns perfectly with the mission of the GNAAS.

Joseph Sayer said "I am thrilled to be running the Great North Run on behalf of the Great North Air Ambulance, The incredible work they do in saving lives and providing crucial medical support is truly inspiring. Every step I take during the race will be a tribute to their exceptional efforts."

The GNAAS has been a beacon of hope in the region, responding to emergencies and providing rapid medical assistance in challenging circumstances.

Ashleigh Chapman, Head of Income and Engagement said "We are immensely grateful to Joseph and everyone else running for their dedication supporting the Great North Air Ambulance

"The commitment to raising awareness and funds for our cause reflects the spirit of generosity and community engagement that strengthens our mission. We wish them the best of luck in the Great North Run and commend their efforts to make a difference."

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

• The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is a charitably funded air ambulance service which provides life-saving care throughout the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Isle of Man.
  
• They operate two helicopters 365 days a year and also operate a night-time service in the North East and Cumbria on rapid response vehicles.
  
  
• The aircraft cover an area of more than 8,000 square miles and on board are specialist doctors and paramedics who effectively bring the hospital to the patient.
  
  
• The level of skill and expertise of the on-board team mean they respond to the most critically ill and injured people, giving them the best chance of survival.
  
  
• GNAAS is a progressive organisation which has pioneered pre-hospital care in the region.
  
• The latest techniques, equipment and drugs are constantly being evaluated to ensure the charity can provide the best care possible for their patients.
  
  
• 2022 marked the service providing 20 years of life-saving care. Throughout this time, they have responded to more than 23,500 incidents across the region, with road traffic collisions being the most frequent type of incident responded to by the team.
  
  
• They do not receive Government funding and must therefore raise £7.7m a year through public donations to remain operational.

For more information visit: https://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/ or follow @gnairambulance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok