Buxton ambulance team taking on Lands End to John O Groats cycle

Peter Crossland, a technician at Buxton station, chatted about the challenge - One Heli of a TASC - which is taking place in September next year.

He said: “The charities we are raising money for are so important.

“TASC - The Ambulance Staff Charity - may not be as well known as the Air Ambulance but it is so important and we want to shine a light on the work they do.

“It provides financial help, rehabilitation back into work as well as mental health support.”

Working in emergency care comes with significant physical and emotional pressures.

The impact on mental health is well recognised across the profession, and TASC provides essential confidential support to ambulance staff and their families.

The Air Ambulance continues to deliver lifesaving critical care across our region, often working alongside land crews on some of the most serious incidents.

Peter said: “In our job we see a lot and are meant to just crack on with the next job and next patient but things really can impact us.

“I was researching TASC ahead of the challenge and was told that four colleagues in North Derbyshire had reached out to the charity as they were in mental health crisis.

“Four people who work so hard to look after others were at their lowest point but because of the help given to them they are back on their feet again.” He says another colleague who broke their back while on duty used rehabilitation and financial services to get back to work.

Peter said: “The Air Ambulance is also a vital charity and as we live in such a rural area it can take a while for back up to come and there have been several times in my career alone where I have called for the Air Ambulance and because of their swift response a patient’s life was saved.”

Peter said every mission done by the air ambulance costs £2,500 so they need funds to keep them in the air.

The nearly 900 mile cycle challenge is taking place next September and will see people from across the East Midlands Ambulance Service getting into the saddle.

Peter said: “We have paramedics, technicians, control room colleagues and operational support staff as well as directors all united by a shared commitment to supporting mental health within the ambulance community.

“Following recent media attention surrounding rota changes within EMAS, we feel it’s important to also highlight a positive story, one that reflects the dedication, resilience and unity of ambulance staff who are going above and beyond to give back and raise awareness.”

The team will be cycling the length of the UK over 10 consecutive days which will be a huge physical and logistical challenge.

They are currently in training while also seeking community and business support to back them.

The cyclists are looking to raise £30,000 which will be split between the two charities.

Donations can be made via justgiving.com/page/oneheliofatasc