INTREPID Wyre Forest folk can challenge themselves by participating in the annual ‘Walk4life’ fundraising event taking place in Rock.

The ‘Pound the Bounds’ walk, in aid of West Midland Air Ambulance, will be held on May 6 (Sunday) and will offer a variety of different scenic routes and distances for participants, ranging from a 26-mile marathon to a three-mile family treasure trail.

The walk follows the success of the last year’s event, raising over £5,000 for vital rescue missions carried out by the regional charity. Outdoor retailer Blacks are sponsors for the upcoming walk.

One man who experienced lifesaving support from Midlands Air Ambulance was Pensax resident Alistair Robert Keron, who sustained a serious head injury after a fall on his smallholding.

A Strensham based air ambulance was able to fly Alistair to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in seven minutes, which would have taken half an hour by land.

The charity endeavour to carry out rescues within the ‘golden hour,’ where chances of survival are increased when the patient reaches hospital within 60 minutes.

Alistair said: “I understood later on that the travel time to hospital was greatly reduced thanks to the air ambulance. I therefore received treatment in hospital much earlier than if I had travelled in a land ambulance.”

Michelle McCracken, fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in Worcestershire said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity airlifts up to six people every day. It is thanks to funds raised by the local community and at events like Pound the Bounds, that these air ambulance missions can be undertaken.”

“Pound the Bounds is a really fantastic day out for walkers, runners and young families, and a brilliant way to support a local charity.”

Registration is £6 for the six-mile route, and £8 for the nine miles, half marathon, 18 mile and marathon routes, with all profits going to Midlands Air Ambulance.

You can register your place in the event at www.poundthebounds.com.

For more information about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and how to support the organisation, please contact the team on 0800 8 40 20 40 or visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com