Runners shared why they are running to raise money for North West Air Ambulance
Star Reagan shared how the charity saved her dad’s life (Image: North West Air Ambulance)
With the Great Manchester Run ready to get underway on Sunday thousands of people are making their final preparations.
The course, which includes a 10k and a half marathon, will start on Sunday morning, with many runners using the event to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance.
More than 100 people are running to support the charity on Sunday May 18.
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Among them is Ethan Bhatt from Wilmslow, who has a very personal reason for wanting to support the charity – he wouldn’t be here without them.
“The charity is especially close to me because I wouldn’t be breathing without them, they saved my life,” he said.
“I’m sure, there are so many other people like me who were lucky enough to get the Air Ambulance called out to them. Myself and so many other people would not be alive without the North West Air Ambulance Charity.”
Ethan Bhatt said the air ambulance saved his life(Image: North West Air Ambulance)
The 27-year-old added: “I don’t enjoy running, but I know that my legs work, and my body works. So, one day I decided, I’m going to give it a go.”
For Star Reagan from Bolton, it was the service saving her father’s life which motivated her to run the 10k course.
The 19-year-old shared how her dad had been involved in a car crash and the North West Air Ambulance had been critical in making sure he survived.
She shared: “I felt like I had to give back, as my dad’s life was nearly taken away from us; from me and my sisters.
“I feel quite excited but determined, as it’s the first time taking on a running event like this. I’d encourage people to take on a charity challenge and think about how fortunate you are.
“I suppose it’s nice to give back to people all the time but think about those people who have suffered.”
Bethany Barr is running after the air ambulance helped her daughter(Image: North West Air Ambulance)
She added: “This challenge is deeply personal to me, so I’m going to keep training and it’s just a case of keeping going, not stopping.”
Bethany Barr, 30, wants to support the charity after her daughter had a terrible accident in September 2024.
“My daughter’s nursery is fully behind me, on the Friday before the run all her friends at nursery are wearing ribbons and clothes to match the colours of the charity as well,” said Bethany from Manchester. “She might only be three, but she’s fully invested in giving back as well.”
She added: “Every time I go on a run, I’m putting the fundraising link on my Instagram story. I’m nearly at £600 in sponsorship so far, but I want to try and get to £1,000, that’s my goal.”
George Green from Bolton hopes to use the opportunity to get back in shape.
He said: “I used to be in the army so I was at my peak fitness probably about 10 years ago and it’s gotten away from me lately. But I just wanted to give it a go.
“I’ve done a couple of 10ks that were properly timed ones, but I’ve never gone as far as a half marathon. I’m raising money for NWAA because I can’t believe they’re a charity and it amazes me that the charity isn’t government funded.”
He added: “It’s not just about helping other people, for me, it’s done wonders for mental health, getting back into exercise again.”