Help meeeeee i'm learning to run!!!!!!!!! On the 24th April I will be running the London marathon. The Sandpiper Trust were lucky enough to be given a bonus place two years in a row, as we are usually only given a place every five years.  As many of you will know The Sandpiper Trust is a huge part of my life. It is the most amazing charity that is close to my heart and I could not be more proud to be part of something so amazing. This April it is my turn to do something in memory of my curly haired big brother Sandy, who tragically drowned in Canada on the 12th August 2000. On this day our life changed forever and this is when our journey began. 

The aim of the Sandpiper Trust is to help save lives in Scotland by improving immediate care especially in the remote and rural areas, through the provision of appropriate standardised and uniform medical equipment, known as Sandpiper Bags, for use by specially trained GPs, community nurses, paramedics and A&E Consultants, all of whom operate on a voluntary basis.

Acting as a catalyst for change, the Trust hast brought together many of those working in the field of Immediate Care. In conjunction with BASICS (The British Association of Immedate Care, Scotland) the Trust’s medical advisers, the contents of the Sandpiper Bag have been compiled, based on the latest medical advances. The Sandpiper Bag has received international acclaim, while BASICS have designed and introduced a training programme that lifts standards in immediate care to a new level of excellence.

The administering of rapid and appropriate medical intervention to a patient during the critical “Golden Hour” not only contributes to an increase in positive patient outcomes but also raises community confidence and resilience especially in remote parts of Scotland.

Such has been the success of this initiative that it has been endorsed by the Scottish Ambulance Service and incorporated in their 999 Emergency Response network, thereby helping reduce response times. In simple words – more lives are now being saved.

Any donation no matter how big or small would mean so much to me and my family.