Tia saddles up for adventure of a lifetime
A FREELANCE horse rider from Ashbourne is swapping the saddle for a pair of hiking boots next year to raise much needed funds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).
Tia Lewis, 22, is in training to trek to Machu Picchu in Peru, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
She has pledged to raise £3,365 for the lifesaving service she holds close to her heart and already has 10%.
Tia, who specialises in re-schooling horses, said: “I am very passionate about supporting my local air ambulance as they play a vital role in saving lives by providing the best pre-hospital emergency care to those in need.
“DLRAA is such an important charity to those within the equestrian community, and being in the countryside, we often see the crew called out to help save horse rider’s lives after an incident, or when they land in the fields to attend road traffic collisions close by – which sadly happens a lot.”
Each time the air ambulance service is called out, it costs in the region of £1,700 and it does not receive any funding from the government or National Lottery
for its daily missions. Tia is to take on her international adventure next March and has been training hard throughout the summer to achieve this goal, This has involved hiking continually for eight to 12 hours a day over four days. On her trek, she will be camping at night and has the added difficulty of altitudes above 2,400 metres, and a wide variation in temperatures – but she’s excited to take on this mission.
Tia said: “After skydiving five years ago to raise money for DLRAA, I thought it was time for a new challenge.
“There’s a lot of take in his world, so it would be great for more people to give back to life-saving charities while participating in these events, it will be a great personal accomplishment and an opportunity to see this beautiful world.”
Laura Eaton, challenge events administrator for DLRAA, said the charity was “really grateful” to Tia for taking on the epic adventure in support of her local air ambulance.
She said: “Taking part in an international challenge event is such a rewarding experience and I would highly recommend anyone to get signed up and give it a go – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, while supporting our charity and raising lifesaving funds.”
Anyone who has been inspired by Tia to take part in a challenge will be supported by their local air ambulance, which will help maximise fundraising. To learn more,visit: charitychallenge.com
And to support Tia on her fundraising quest, visit her page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Tia-Lewis1
After skydiving five years ago to raise money for DLRAA, I thought it was time for a new challenge. Tia Lewis