A FEW places remain for runners who would like to run the Bath Half Marathon on March 12 to raise vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The deadline for entries is looming and the charity is urging people who are interested in taking part to contact them as soon as possible to fill the last remaining places.

Among the runners taking part are members of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s operational and fundraising teams.

The Bath Half will be the first half marathon for Wiltshire Air Ambulance paramedics Keith Mills and Fred Thompson. Keith and Fred both joined Wiltshire Air Ambulance 18-months-ago.

Keith said: “The Bath Half Marathon is something I have wanted to do for a long time so I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Being employed as a paramedic on Wiltshire Air Ambulance, I want to play my part and raise money for the charity.

“I am lucky enough to have the best job in the world. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help people in their time of need and serve the people of Wiltshire and beyond.”

Fred said: “We have a fantastic team at Wiltshire Air Ambulance and it’s a pleasure to work here.

“I’ve set myself a few challenges in 2017 and this is the first of them. I have always wanted to do a half marathon.”

Valerie Whistler, the partnerships co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance who is also taking part, said: “I’m running and raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance because it is an essential service and an incredible charity that serves the community.”

Kenresa Stratford, Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We’re really pleased with the response to our Vitality Bath Half Marathon places this year. We have 60 places and only a few remain. The deadline for entries is February 2.

“Last year’s Bath Half Marathon was our most successful year to date, raising over £25,000, and we are continually overwhelmed with how well supported our team is. This year we have two of our paramedics and one member of the charity team tackling the 13.1 mile course as well as some very inspirational people, ranging from patients we have airlifted and people who are running in memory of loved ones.

“The money raised from everyone on our team will help to keep our aircrew and helicopter flying and saving lives. We need to raise £3.25 million a year in order to do so and we are really grateful to everyone who is running and raising money for us this year.”.

Places cost £32.50 and runners must raise a minimum of £200 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The closing date is February 2.

For more information email kenresa@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call 01380 739453.