Couple Embarks on Two-Year Coastline Walk to Support Air Ambulance
A couple from Somerset is setting out to break records and raise funds for a vital local service. Mike Langley, aged 73, aims to become the oldest individual to walk the coastline of mainland Great Britain in a continuous two-year circuit. He and his partner, Zoe Langley-Wathen, 54, will embark on a journey covering approximately 7,000 miles (11,265 km) to raise £10,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Ambulance (DSAA).
The duo will commence their journey at South Haven Point in Studland, Dorset, and will travel anti-clockwise around the coast before returning to their starting point. Mr. Langley has a history of adventurous undertakings; in his 60s, he successfully climbed 252 Welsh mountains reaching heights of 600 meters (1,968 feet) in a single expedition. He has also completed the Camino, a renowned pilgrimage route in Spain, following hip replacement surgeries.
The motivation behind their ambitious trek is to support the DSAA, which plays a crucial role in rural healthcare. “We were deeply impressed during a visit to the airbase by how quickly the crew can deliver hospital-level care to patients,” Mrs. Langley-Wathen stated. She emphasized the importance of community support, noting, “Given that the service relies heavily on donations, we want our walk to raise both awareness and funds to sustain those helicopter missions. You never know when you or a loved one might need their assistance.”
The DSAA is the busiest air ambulance service in the south-west of England, responding to nearly 3,000 missions each year. Each deployment incurs a cost of approximately £3,500, meaning the couple’s target of £10,000 could fund nearly three potentially life-saving flights.
Charlotte Humber, Supporter Engagement Officer for the DSAA, expressed gratitude for the couple’s commitment. “Their dedication, time, and energy not only aid in funding essential missions but also inspire others to contribute to our cause,” she remarked. Humber noted that the charity recently launched an appeal to raise the final £1 million needed to acquire and equip a second air ambulance helicopter. “With an additional helicopter, we can reach more patients, enhance operational resilience, and ultimately save more lives,” she explained.
The couple’s challenge is set to begin in October 2023, and they have established a fundraising page for those wishing to contribute to their cause. Their journey promises to not only showcase their determination but also highlight the importance of community support in sustaining crucial emergency services.
For updates on their progress and to support their mission, donations can be made through their dedicated fundraising page.
