Runners Take Off for Stansted’s First
Charity Runway Run

Scores of runners took off for an early morning run along Stansted Airport’s runway today (June 24) to raise vital funds for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, the airport’s chosen Charity of the year.

At 3am on a cold and blustery Monday morning, 70 airport staff and Air Ambulance supporters sprinted, jogged and walked the 6km course for the inaugural fun run along the airport’s 3048 metre long runway.

Stansted Airport Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Marcella M’Rabety, said: “This is the first time ever the airport has opened up its runway for such a unique event.  It allows staff and our business partners the chance to run along one of the busiest runways in the country, all in aid of our wonderful charity partner, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust. The airport is delighted to be able to back the Trust during 2013 and by supporting them we will also play our part in saving lives of people who live in our region. Having a charity partner allows us to provide strong focus to the airport’s fundraising efforts and helps us play a critical role in supporting good causes in our local community.”

Helena Morgan, Head of Fundraising at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We are honoured that Stansted Airport opened up their runway today for the very first time for such a unique fundraising event! I was lucky enough to take part in the run along with five colleagues from the Charity, a number of Stansted Airport staff and Air Ambulance supporters. This is such a novel idea to help raise much needed funds for your local Air Ambulance to continue saving lives. We are very excited about our new partnership with Stansted Airport and look forward to more interesting events throughout the year.”

During the year, airport staff are taking part in a number of events to raise funds and awareness for the life-saving charity. In May a team of pedal-pushers from the airport took part and raised funds at the Essex Air Ambulance Colne Valley Cycle Ride and in September a range of events are planned to celebrate National Air Ambulance week.