Ambulance leaders are swapping blue lights for bicycles to raise funds for a good cause.
A team from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), led by interim chief executive Jen Allan, will take on a 55-mile cycling challenge through Sussex and Surrey in support of the SECAmb charity.
The route starts and ends at Nexus House in Crawley and includes the iconic Box Hill climb.
Ms Allan said: "Our ambulance staff and volunteers repeatedly go the extra mile when caring for patients.
"We wanted to set ourselves a challenge that could raise funds for the charity and encourage others to achieve their own personal events.
"Can you go the extra mile by taking on and conquering the Outrun an Ambulance challenge this year?"
The ride marks the launch of the Outrun an Ambulance campaign, a three-month challenge inviting people to 'outrun' the distance covered by a SECAmb ambulance during a 12-hour shift.
Participants can complete the challenge individually or as part of a team, using any self-propelled activity such as walking, cycling, swimming, or paddling.
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Vicky Rees, head of charity at SECAmb, said: "We want to have enough people contribute their distances so that we beat 936 miles, which is the combined total of ambulances from 11 sites across the SECAmb patch.
"It’s a Trust-wide challenge that we tackle together."
Participants can choose to cover target distances linked to SECAmb locations, including 63 miles in Chertsey, 72 miles in Worthing, or 107 miles in Ashford.
The challenge is designed to be accessible to all.
Ms Rees said: "Because you don’t have to complete the distance in one go, you can set your own timeframe. You might aim to achieve your target within one month, or even three.
"Everyone who completes their Outrun an Ambulance challenge and raises at least £1 will receive a special Certificate of Thanks.
"Those fundraising heroes who complete their challenge and raise £100 or more will also be sent a brilliant medal."
Funds raised will support SECAmb teams, patients and communities across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and North East Hampshire.
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