Nurse to do London Marathon to repay air ambulance

A critical care nurse is running the London Marathon in aid of the East of England Air Ambulance after it saved her partner's life following a motorbike accident.

Emily Gent, who works at Peterborough City Hospital, will be taking part in her first marathon in April.

Ms Gent, who lives near Peterborough, has been training for the event in between her critical care shifts and hopes to complete the run in about four hours.

She said the charity was "dear to her heart" after it rescued and saved lives of her family and friends.

The 26.2-mile (42.1km) marathon will be held on 27 April across the streets of London.

Despite a love for running, this is Ms Gent's first ever race.

She is hoping to raise £2,500 for the air ambulance.

The air ambulance said about six people require it service every day.

Her partner Ryan required the air ambulance after a near-fatal motorbike accident in 2022 and was transported to hospital for lifesaving surgery.

She said: "The service is dear to my heart, and I have had first-hand experience with them rescuing and preserving the lives of my family, friends and patients I have looked after, both on the wards and intensive care.

"I have a farming family background and I have had neighbouring farmers that have required the air ambulance after machinery accidents."

She said she was looking forward to the race with her parents and Ryan supporting her along the route.

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