A couple from Ilminster, Somerset, is setting out on a remarkable journey to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Ambulance Service. Mike Langley, aged 73, and Zoe Langley-Wathen, 54, plan to walk approximately 7,000 miles (11,265 km) around the coastline of mainland Great Britain over the next two years. Their goal is to raise £10,000 to support the vital work of the Dorset and Somerset Ambulance (DSAA).
The couple will commence their journey on October 1, 2023, starting at South Haven Point in Studland and walking in an anti-clockwise direction around the coast. Mr. Langley expressed his determination, stating, “I know this won’t be easy, but I’m determined to prove that age doesn’t have to hold you back.” Ms. Langley-Wathen added, “Long-distance walking has changed my life, and I want to encourage others—especially women in midlife—to see what they’re capable of.”
Previous Achievements and Community Impact
Mr. Langley’s adventurous spirit is not new; he previously climbed 252 Welsh mountains, each over 600 meters (1,968 feet), in a single expedition while in his sixties. He also re-walked the famous Camino pilgrimage route in Spain after undergoing hip replacements. The couple’s current challenge is not only a personal journey but also a significant effort to raise awareness of the DSAA’s critical services in rural communities.
During a recent visit to the DSAA airbase, Ms. Langley-Wathen remarked, “What really struck us was the speed at which the crew can bring the hospital to the patient. Knowing the service is funded almost entirely by donations, we wanted our walk to raise awareness and funds to help keep those helicopters flying.”
The Importance of Funding and Community Support
The DSAA is the busiest air ambulance service in the southwest of England, responding to nearly 3,000 missions each year. Each mission costs approximately £3,500, meaning that the couple’s target of £10,000 could fund nearly three potentially life-saving missions.
Charlotte Humber, Supporter Engagement Officer for the DSAA, noted, “Their dedication, time, and energy are not only helping to fund vital missions but also inspiring others to get behind our cause. We are truly grateful for their incredible support and for showing such passion and commitment to DSAA.”
Recently, the DSAA launched an appeal to raise the final £1 million needed to purchase and outfit a second air ambulance helicopter. Humber explained, “A second helicopter will enable our air ambulance crew to reach more patients, strengthen operational resilience, and ultimately save even more lives.”
As Mike and Zoe prepare to embark on their ambitious walk, donations can be made via their dedicated fundraising page to support this important cause. Their journey not only seeks to achieve a remarkable personal record but also aims to highlight the essential role of local ambulance services.
