Emma changes gear for air ambulance charity

Grounded driving instructor Emma Law has swapped four wheels for two during the latest lockdown to raise money for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Born and raised in Oban, Emma is currently unable to work as a result of Covid restrictions so decided to challenge herself to cycle 500 miles – the distance from Oban to London – as part of the Virtual Kiltwalk 2021.

At the time of writing, Emma was more than halfway through her challenge, which she aims to complete by the end of April, and had raised £255 of her £400 target. Every penny she raises will be increased by Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation by 50 per cent.

‘I have been cycling round the town, through Ganavan and Dunbeg and out as far as Benderloch,’ she told The Oban Times.

‘If I manage to achieve my 500 mile target before the end of April, I will keep pedalling and continue to raise awareness for this fantastic charity that is absolutely vital to our rural and island communities in cutting down the time it takes to get a patient to specialist care.

‘They receive no government funding and rely 100 per cent on donations from the public to fuel their life saving flights. It costs on average £2,500 for the air ambulance to respond to a life-saving mission and we never know when we might need the service and its benefits.’

Nick Harvey, SCAA’s director of fundraising and communications, praised Emma’s commitment to support the life-saving charity.

‘The support of people like Emma is key to sustaining our service,’ he said, ‘and we can’t thank her enough for what she’s undertaken on our behalf.

‘This energised and enthusiastic type of fundraising support is what helps to keep us flying.

‘SCAA relies 100 per cent on public donations and supporters the length and breadth of Scotland play their part in ensuring we are there for those most in need.

‘Our sincere thanks go to Emma for a fantastic fundraiser. Her support will undoubtedly help save lives. We wish her well and safe cycling in the miles ahead.’

Emma has owned and operated her own driving school business called Learn with Emma for the last five years and is looking forward to welcoming learner drivers back behind the wheel when restrictions end.

She is a member of Benderloch and North Connel Drama Club and, before lockdown, regularly took part in drama festivals and pantomimes.

To support Emma’s challenge visit www.virtual.thekiltwalk. co.uk and search Emma Law in the Fundraisers search bar.