PARAMEDIC Helen Goodwin has taken on a gruelling challenge in freezing conditions to raise vital funds for a lifesaving charity.
Helen Goodwin, an Essex and Herts Air Ambulance paramedic from Maldon, took part in the charity’s Arctic Adventure.
She has also been organising community CPR training as part of her fundraising.
The CPR events were for families, clubs, gyms and groups of friends, and aimed to show people how to carry out resuscitation techniques.
There was also an open session at Goldhanger Village Hall in February, which included refreshments, a tabletop sale of crafts and toys, and a raffle, where £1,000 was raised.
More than 200 people have taken part and all the money raised from the chest compression and defibrillator training will help the air ambulance to continue operating across both counties and beyond, bringing hospital treatment to the patient in emergency situations.
Helen, who is a patient and family liaison paramedic at EHAAT, said: “I was excited to take part in the Arctic trek to Finland.
“We walked in knee deep snow for six hours a day at -10C which was very tough going.
“I set a personal target to raise more than £3,000 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
“I also know first-hand of the incredible stories of patients who have been helped by bystanders while waiting for the emergency services.
“It is such an important life skill and all our community is encouraged to have a go.
“We have defibrillators in our town and villages, but we also need to be calling 999 and doing good effective chest compressions.
“I would like to thank all the businesses who donated prizes for the raffle, and the communities and clubs that hosted my fundraising events.
“Every single pound raised means that this vitally important charity can continue to operate and make a potentially life-saving difference in someone’s time of need.”
To donate, visit the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance website at ehaat.org or visit justgiving.com and search for ‘Helen’s Arctic Trek’.
