Ambulance crews are accustomed to dealing with difficult situations, but this particular shift required a very different kind of strength.
Members of London Ambulance Service joined hundreds of participants for an extraordinary charity challenge involving the pulling of huge vehicles across a two-mile route.
The event formed part of Bexley’s Uniformed Services Day and charity Truck Pull on July 25, bringing emergency workers and members of the wider community together for a serious test of strength.
Among those taking part were London Ambulance Service crews and 999 call handlers, who faced the prospect of hauling a 14-tonne tipper truck.
They were joined by police officers, firefighters, veterans, Armed Forces personnel, charities and businesses.
Around 200 people were expected to participate in total, with six large vehicles being pulled along the route from Bellegrove Road in Welling to Bexleyheath Broadway.
But there was a considerably more important reason for putting themselves through it than simply finding out whether they could move an enormous truck.
The London Ambulance Charity was raising money to provide wellbeing support for ambulance crews as well as helping install life-saving defibrillators within local communities.
Paramedic Andrew Mackenzie was among those who signed up for the challenge.
“As paramedics, we’re used to facing tough challenges, but think this might be pretty hard!
“It’s a privilege to care for Londoners and we know we can be there at some of their most difficult moments. Through all that the London Ambulance Charity is there to support us when we need it.
“Come along and cheer us on at the Truck Pull – your encouragement and every donation helps London Ambulance Service and the communities we care for.”
The truck pull wasn’t the only attraction on the day.
Once participants reached Bexleyheath Broadway, visitors were also given the opportunity to explore the London Ambulance Service Historic Collections.
The display included both modern and historic ambulances alongside original medical equipment from the past.
Craig Henty, Head of Historic Collections at London Ambulance Service, said:
“Our ambulances have been part of London’s story for more than a century, responding to everything from everyday emergencies to some of the capital’s most significant moments.
“Events like this offer a great opportunity for children and their families to learn about our fascinating heritage – including our people and the historic vehicles and equipment they used to save lives.
“I hope our proud history will inspire future generations to join London Ambulance Service and care for the nine million people living in our city.”
A procession following the truck pull brought together groups from across Bexley’s communities, including Gurkha veterans, Nepalese community organisations, Indian drummers, local performers, children and bikers.
Pulling a 14-tonne truck certainly made for an unusual day at work.
But with money being raised to support both the people responding to emergencies and the communities they serve, there was considerably more behind the challenge than brute strength.
Featured image credit: London Ambulance Service
