Jane's happy to run for Air Ambulance [Edition 7]

A DETECTIVE is set to run the London Marathon in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance after the charity helped save the lives of two of her relatives.

Jane Stephens, who lives in Camelford and works on the child protection team in Bodmin, will tackle the worldfamous race in April in an attempt to raise Pounds 2,000 for the service which flew her nephew and cousin to hospital for vital treatment.

Mrs Stephens, 45, who is a member of Bodmin Roadrunners, said: "I've always wanted to run the London Marathon, mainly to challenge myself. I've run several half-marathons and this seemed the next logical step.

"My nephew was airlifted following a serious road traffic accident 16 years ago when he was six-monthsold.

"I was on the scene at the time and I will never forget our relief when the helicopter landed in the middle of the A39. The paramedics were fantastic and he was in Treliske in minutes, receiving vital treatment."

Mrs Stephens' cousin suffered a stroke at home in a remote part of North Cornwall late last year.

"He is six months younger than me," she said. "Again, the air ambulance came for him and he was in Treliske so quickly he was able to have lifesaving treatment and has made a full recovery.

"I have tried to raise money for them wherever I can. The Pounds 2,000 target has made this even more exciting."

Mrs Stephens has been a keen runner for seven years. She has already tackled the Great South Run and Bideford Half twice, the Great North Run, Runway Runaround, Plymouth 10km and eight Race for Lifes, as well as representing Bodmin Road Runners in several races.

She hits the gym at 6.30am five mornings a week to do interval and core strength training to help her reach the target of completing the race in less than four hours.

Mrs Stephens also does hill running on a Tuesday evening, a club run of seven miles each Thursday night, as well as a long training run every Sunday of up to 15 miles.

"Cornwall Air Ambulance receives no funding whatsoever but without them Cornwall would not be such a safe place to live," she added.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.

com/jane-stephens1.

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