Retiree completes epic bridge trek for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Robert (Bob) Bassey (71) from Radlett has successfully completed The Thames Bridge Ultra Trek this month, raising well over £2,000 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.  

Despite battling arthritis and damage to his lower spine, Bob finished the 25km trek in 5hrs 26mins 6 secs, coming an amazing 440th out of over 15,000 competitors.  

The money raised will support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance to continue its vital, life-saving service. Last year,  teams were dispatched on 2,491 missions, with each mission costing around £2,800. On average the charity attends 1,900 patients a year, from road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests. 

Bob spent the summer running a series of fundraising events in Phillimore Community Centre and spends his time volunteering around Radlett. 

Bob said: 

“I really felt the last four kilometres, particularly in my back and feet but I made it to the end. It feels like a big achievement and so does raising so much money. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is the charity that comes out when you need them most. I’m so aware that they need every penny we can raise for them so they can continue to support people in their darkest hour”. 

Charlotte Evans, Senior Fundraising Coordinator at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance said: 

“Not many people with Bob’s arthritis and back pain would even attempt a 25km walk, let alone complete it! We are so impressed by Bob’s efforts and are so grateful to him for helping keep us front of mind. The money he’s raising is invaluable to us. As a charity we rely solely on donations to keep our helicopters flying so efforts like this make all the difference.” 

For more information on Essex & Herts Air Ambulance or to donate, please visit ehaat.org