Going walkies for Air Angels

Feb 21 2010 Sunday Sun

Paul came up with the plan to raise cash for the Air Ambulance appeal after speaking to accident survivors.

“They made it clear to me their injuries could have been so much worse without the Air Ambulance,” he said.

“It’s such a crucial service and one I think the North should take pride in.”

As well as the Air Ambulance Paul will be using the funds he raised to help Cole Lancaster, a three-year-old Billingham lad, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and has to be treated at James Cook University Hospital weekly.

Paul and Meg will set off on their walk on March 6, from Hayling Island, near Portsmouth.

Although the only money he’s taking is to buy food for Meg, he’s not worried.

Paul said: “I see it as a kind of social experiment. There’s so much bad press in the world, that everything is so bleak. I don’t think this is a true reflection.

“Hopefully, I’m going to prove that people are good and will come forward and help.”

A spokesperson for the Great North Air Ambulance said: “We never fail to be amazed by the extraordinary lengths our supporters will to for the charity.

“We receive no Government funding so every penny we receive is crucial to the daily running costs we use to save lives and ease suffering.

“The money Paul raises will be another crucial step towards raising the £1m we need to buy our own helicopter for the first time.

“We can’t thank him enough for his dedication and we wish Paul, and of course Meg, the best of luck for their challenge. We will be thinking of them.”

So far Paul has managed to collect an amazing £1,500 but is aiming for £10,000.

He is also appealing to borrow a camrecorder and Netbook from Sunday Sun readers so he can make a video diary of his journey.

To sponsor Paul log on to www.blackmeg.co.uk.

Follow the action on Facebook group: Burg’s and Meg’s Big Walk Home.