South Western Ambulance worker takes on Great West Run to support Ambulance Charity
Kelly Saunders, Acting Head of Fleet and Equipment at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), is preparing to take on the Great West Run Half Marathon in Exeter on Sunday 24 May to raise money for the South Western Ambulance Charity.
Based in Exeter and regularly visiting Fleet and Equipment sites across the South West, Kelly has worked for SWASFT for more than two years and says she is proud to support communities across the region.
Running has become a major part of Kelly's life, beginning with a fun half marathon in Bath completed with friends in bridesmaids' dresses for a hen party. Since then, she has completed more than 90 park runs, several fundraising events, and will mark the Great West Run as her 10th half marathon.
One of Kelly's proudest achievements was completing the London Marathon in memory of her father, raising more than £3,400 for North Devon Hospice following his death from cancer.
Kelly said: "Running gives me time to switch off, supports my wellbeing, and has allowed me to take on personal challenges while raising money for causes close to my heart. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere at the Great West Run, although I'm slightly nervous about the hill near the end!
Kelly recently completed the Bideford 10K alongside family members and says the sense of community and shared achievement is one of the things she enjoys most about running.
She added: "As someone who works within SWASFT, it feels especially meaningful to give something back and support colleagues and the wider community through the South Western Ambulance Charity."
Kelly leads the Ambulance Vehicle Preparation (AVP) teams, whose vital work ensures ambulances are cleaned, fully stocked and road-ready so front-line crews can respond to 999 calls safely, quickly and effectively when patients need them most.
The South Western Ambulance Charity plays a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing of ambulance staff and volunteers, strengthening community engagement, and funding initiatives that go beyond core NHS provision - ensuring teams and local communities receive support when they need it most.
People wishing to support Kelly's fundraising can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kelly-saunders-9