Ambulance staff have been going the extra mile by taking part in a tough fitness competition in aid of TASC The Ambulance Staff Charity.

The Ultimate Emergency Services Throwdown saw ambulance staff pitted against police and firefighters in a series of physical challenges ranging from lifting weights, running and throwing to aerobics and gymnastics tests such as squats.

The event, held at CrossFit Lacemakers in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, on September 22, succeeded in raising £420 after costs, which will be split between TASC, The Firefighters Charity, and Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

The Ultimate Emergency Services Throwdown, which was first held in 2016, is organised by Leicestershire policeman Martin Leeland who hopes to make the event “bigger and better” next year.

He said:

“We have been doing CrossFit in this country for quite a while, based on a fitness training programme for the American emergency services and military. But there has never been anything like the police, fire and ambulance competing against each other here. In this day and age it’s good to have the three emergency services working together.”

A total of 32 police, fire and ambulance personnel took part in this year’s event, each paying an entry fee of £25. Added Martin:

“It was very good with a lot of positive comments. Everyone who took part said they wanted to do it again next year, and we have spoken about holding two events next year.

“One would be a CrossFit event like this one, but I would also like to organise a team event based on an obstacle-style course. I would definitely like to make it bigger and better next year and in future years.”

The overall team event at Long Eaton was won by the police, while the individual honours went to firefighter Mark Finlay in the male category and police officer Katrina Hamilton in the female competition, just ahead of ambulance representative Anna Cannon who won the female category in 2016.

Brenda Spencer, Community Fundraiser at TASC, said:

“Thank you to the organisers, participants, and all those involved in this fantastic event for your kind support.”

For more information about the competition please visit: https://theultimate-emergencyservicesthrowdown.co.uk/

For more information about TASC, call 0247 7987 922, email enquiries@theasc.org.uk or visit www.theasc.org.uk

For regular news and updates, follow TASC on Twitter (TASCharity) and Facebook (TASC The Ambulance Staff Charity).

Fundraise for TASC