27 Mar 2025
CCP Rod’s Trek 24 hat-trick
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Rod is preparing to take on his third Trek 24 event in aid of the charity this May. Rod, who has been a critical care paramedic with EAAA for almost 22 years says he is taking part in the Norfolk 24-mile route because he really enjoys trekking, but also because he wants to support the charity where he sees first-hand the impact of donations.
EAAA is a charity which relies almost entirely on public donations for the 24/7 service by air and road across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. “We couldn’t do our job without supporters,” Rod explains. “It’s nice that I can support a charity I love by taking part in my third Trek 24 event.”
This year’s Trek 24 events take place on 7 June in Bedfordshire, and 10 May in Norfolk, which will see participants trek 24 miles, 24 km or 2.4 miles around the picturesque Whitlingham Country Park, the gateway to the Broads with over 280 acres of beautiful countryside.
Rod is no stranger to lacing up his hiking boots for epic trekking adventures, having completed Trek 24 Norfolk twice before as well as completing a hike through the Norwegian countryside, and a 100km trek in the Arctic Circle. He says everybody who takes part in and supports Trek 24, from the other participants to the volunteers who make the event possible, are always wonderfully enthusiastic and encouraging, and he looks forward to the anticipation and excitement of the start line.
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“I normally take part with my trekking buddies, but this year I’ll be on my own,” Rod says. “Although there is always a lot of warmth from the other people taking part and the volunteers who marshal and are at the checkpoints along the route. It’s so nice to be a part of this with other supporters.”
Rod has previously crossed the finish line in just over eight hours. This year, he is aiming to complete the 24-mile route in under eight hours, and is hoping to raise between £150-£200.
At the event, there is sometimes an appearance at Trek 24 by one of the EAAA helicopters. While this is subject to emergency taskings, Rod says it’s “pretty awesome” to see the aircraft flying overhead while Trekkers are mid-route. “I always wave at my colleagues in the sky!” He says.
“There’s always a great feeling of achievement when you cross the finish line. To fundraise and raise the profile of EAAA and to see so many people doing the same is really special. If it wasn’t for all the donors, fundraisers and supporters, we really wouldn’t have this fantastic service; EAAA is truly the people’s air ambulance.”
Thank you to Rod and to everybody taking part in or supporting Trek 24 this year. It’s not too late to book your place at Trek 24 Norfolk or Trek 24 Bedfordshire! Bring your friends, family and colleagues, or trek solo and meet other like-minded adventurers on the way!
