Former Telford policeman taking on 150-mile walking challenge for lifesaving charity
A former Telford police officer is once again putting his best foot forward for a lifesaving charity to mark its 30th year in operation.
Chris Devney, who is also a Worcestershire magistrate, will raise funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The 58-year-old already challenged himself to walk 100km between two of the charity’s airbases last summer.
To challenge himself again, and to mark the 30th anniversary of the charity, Chris will be walking between each of its airbases, three of the charity’s shops, its Stourbridge HQ and the original airbase at Hagley Hall.
The mammoth challenge – called Chris’s Air30 Walk – will take Chris six days to complete, and totals over 240km, or 150 miles.
Fellow volunteer and town crier, Peder Nielson, will also be supporting at a number of locations as Chris arrives, marking his achievements along the way.
Saving lives
Chris said: “In my former role as a police officer in Telford, I attended many road traffic collisions which required the help of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity aircrew, and I’ve seen first-hand the impact their clinical expertise can make on scene; literally saving lives.
“Eleven years ago, I was sadly involved in a road traffic collision myself as a motorcyclist.
"It was thought at the scene that I would not survive, but on hearing the local air ambulance coming to my aid, I was confident I would be okay.
“Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides a vital service to all communities of the six counties it serves, by providing critical care to those that require it, at the time they need it the most.
"‘Chris’s Air30 Walk’ is the hardest physical challenge I’ll have ever taken on, and anything I raise will go to the charity so they can continue saving lives.”
Chris will begin his journey on May 9 at 10am, starting at the Walsall charity shop, and will complete the challenge at the Strensham airbase on May 14.
There is an open invitation to anyone who wants to join Chris en-route – socially distanced, of course, whether that be for a few steps or a few miles.
Chris will be easily trackable via his Facebook page at Facebook.com/chrisair30walk
To help support Chris during his 240km walk for charity, you can visit his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-devney
Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s commendable that Chris is once again taking on a huge challenge like this in support of our lifesaving charity, and his commitment to our cause shows no bounds.
“With no Government or NHS Charities Together funding, we’re so grateful to have people like Chris who continue to go above and beyond for our charity, to help us raise the funds we need to keep saving lives."
