Paramedics have a mountain to climb

Carley Gould and Tammy Page, a team from South East Coast Ambulance Service, are raising money for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel and St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing.

They have just passed their £10,000 team target for the nine-day climb, dubbed CAT A Kilimanjaro, thanks to a charity ball held last Friday and a number of other fundraising events.

They chose to support the hospices because they witness first hand the valuable support these charities offer patients and their families and wanted to give something back.

Carley said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be assist in providing comfort at the end of someone’s life.”

Tammy added: “End of life should be dignified and these charities facilitate that in the most supportive way.

Carley and Tammy have been training in Wales, covering various peaks. They camp with all their kit in preparation and their most recent trip saw them walk 50 miles, the Kilimanjaro distance but without the altitude.

The pair visited St Barnabas House on Tuesday to present a cheque following the charity ball.

Carley said: “We would like to thank Ed and Jude Watters from our sponsor Smartresearchhr for their ongoing support throughout their fundraising journey. Thank you to all that have donated, it’s been overwhelming with all the support we have had.”

Tammy had planned a head shave at the ball to boost the total but while Carley was making a speech and the hairdresser prepared, the event was halted by a couple who generously offered £1,000 for Tammy to keep her hair. This tipped the pair over their target and led to a standing ovation.

Visit www.justgiving.com/teams/CATA to make a donation and follow CAT A Kilimanjaro on Facebook to follow their progress.