An airport worker is swapping the runway for a gruelling 100km trek through Derbyshire's toughest terrain to help keep a vital life-saving helicopter in the skies. Lincolnshire local Leigh Robinson, who works at Retford Gamston Airport – one of the operational airbases for the National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA) – is taking on the epic Peak District Ultra Challenge on July 4.
Challenge Details and Route
Starting and finishing at the Bakewell basecamp, Leigh will tackle a punishing figure-of-eight route through the region's finest scenery to raise crucial funds for the charity. The 100km course traverses some of the most challenging terrain in the Peak District, demanding immense physical and mental endurance.
Motivation and Personal Connection
“Having worked at the airport for twenty years I have seen the helicopter regularly flying out on missions since 2023. Every mission means a family is facing one of the most frightening moments of their lives,” said Leigh. “When the aircraft takes off it is because a critically ill baby or child urgently needs specialist hospital care. Seeing this service operate up close has shown me just how vital it is to many families,” he added.
About the National Children’s Air Ambulance
The National Children’s Air Ambulance is a UK-wide service dedicated to transferring critically ill babies and children between hospitals – bringing expert care closer, when every moment matters. The helicopters are flying intensive care units: purpose-built, clinically equipped, and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Working in partnership with 11 NHS paediatric retrieval teams across the UK, they combine their specialist expertise with the charity’s aircraft to safely transfer young patients to the care they need.
Fundraising and Community Support
“I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge to raise vital funds to help the charity complete more lifesaving missions. When the going gets tough I will remember the reason I’m taking on this challenge,” expressed Leigh Robinson. Morgan Turnbull, junior events manager for the charity said: “We would like to say thank you to Leigh for taking on this enormous challenge to raise funds to support our lifesaving children’s charity.” “We receive no government or National Lottery funding for our missions and rely on the generous donations from the local community to keep our helicopters flying,” she added.
How to Support
To support Leigh with his Peak District Ultra Challenge please visit: 100km. No Sleep. One Lifesaving Mission for Children’s Air Ambulance. To support the charity this year, check out the range of events you can take part in to support the life-saving charity.
