Two Norfolk companies are among those signed up to take part in Only The Brave – East Anglian Air Ambulance’s thrilling mud obstacle challenge, which will take place on 20 September at the Euston Estate near Thetford; and are encouraging others to join them on the start line to raise vital funds for the charity.
Boniface Engineering from Thetford and Morgan Sindall in Norwich have registered almost fifty employees to take part in the popular fundraising event, which will help East Anglian Air Ambulance continue delivering lifesaving critical care across the region.
Only The Brave, which has ScottishPower Renewables as its headline sponsor, is inspired by the incredible resilience shown every day by East Anglian Air Ambulance’s pilots, doctors, paramedics, and patients and their families.
As the event approaches, East Anglian Air Ambulance is calling on more people and businesses across Norfolk to sign up for what promises to be an unforgettable day for participants.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or an endurance test with friends or colleagues, Only The Brave reinforces the courage it takes to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
Three course options are available for all abilities to get stuck into:
- A three-mile ‘Mini Obstacle Run’, which is ideal for families and younger adventurers (age 5+). The course features more than 10 exciting obstacles, including giant hurdles and cargo nets, offering plenty of muddy fun!
- A six-mile course for those looking for a bigger challenge, which includes 26 obstacles designed to test endurance, strength and teamwork. From monkey bars to giant slip-and-slide descents, participants will experience an unforgettable adventure. Every obstacle is achievable, but anyone who prefers can simply run past an obstacle if they choose.
- A 10-mile route for more experienced runners and thrill seekers that raises the stakes even further with 35 obstacles, pushing participants to test their stamina, resilience and determination across an even longer course.
Gavin Harper, Operations Manager at Boniface Engineering, said: “East Anglian Air Ambulance is a charity very close to our hearts. Two of our colleagues have been treated by the crew, so we’ve seen first-hand the incredible difference their service makes. We know the charity relies on donations to continue providing its lifesaving care, which is why we’re proud to support it however we can. A small group of us took part last year, and now we’re returning with an even bigger team. We’re looking forward to taking on the course together, although our biggest challenge will undoubtedly be conquering the monkey bars! Only The Brave is a fantastic opportunity to step away from the workplace, spend quality time with colleagues and raise vital funds for an amazing cause.”
Leanne Collins, Office Manager at Morgan Sindall, said: “We’ve got over 25 people signed up for Only The Brave this year! We took part for the first time last year and had such a fantastic time that we couldn’t wait to do it again. It’s a great opportunity to raise money for an amazing cause while enjoying some team bonding and plenty of laughs. East Anglian Air Ambulance is a charity we’re incredibly proud to support and we’re determined to raise as much money as possible. We have people of all fitness levels taking part, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace. Last year we accidentally completed 10 miles instead of six, so this year should feel like a breeze! We’d definitely encourage anyone who’s thinking about it to sign up. It’s a fantastic day out, full of fun, laughter, and a great way to make a real difference.”
Alister Broadberry, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Leanne and the team for once again getting behind Only The Brave and supporting East Anglian Air Ambulance. With more than 25 colleagues taking part this year, alongside family members and friends, it’s become a real Morgan Sindall family event and a fantastic day out for everyone involved. This challenge is just one of many activities we’re taking part in throughout the year to raise funds for our chosen charity partner, and it’s great to see so many people giving their time and energy to support such an important cause. East Anglian Air Ambulance provides a vital service across our region, and we’re proud to support the charity again this year while thanking them for the incredible work they do every day to help our communities.”
East Anglian Air Ambulance recently embarked on its biggest ever fundraising appeal. The charity needs to urgently raise £8.2 million to build a new airbase just outside the village of Fulbourn – ahead of the closure of Cambridge Airport. Without a Cambridge base, the air ambulance’s service risks being cut in half, leaving just one air base in Norfolk. This would dramatically increase response times to people facing life‑threatening emergencies across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Stuart Wyle, Director of Fundraising and Supporters from East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “Only The Brave is much more than an obstacle course. The event is a reminder that it’s not the challenges you face, but how you tackle them that truly matters. Every wall climbed, every muddy hill conquered, and every finish line crossed helps ensure our crews can continue bringing lifesaving critical care to people when they need us most. Whether you’re taking on the family course or pushing yourself over 10 miles, you’ll be making a real difference while creating memories you’ll never forget!”
Joanna Young, ScottishPower Renewables’ Senior Stakeholder Manager, said: “Only The Brave is a fantastic way for local businesses like us to support the lifesaving work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance and our team are already in training for what, I’m sure, will be another fun, muddy and brilliant event. With three different courses to choose from, there’s something on offer for everyone wanting to give this challenge a go. So, sign up now and do your bit to keep this vital local service going.”
Places for Only The Brave are available now.
Sign up today and discover whether you have what it takes to be Only The Brave: https://www.eaaa.org.uk/support-us/events/only-the-brave
Every Only The Brave participant will receive a technical event T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, a goody bag and encouragement from supporters throughout the day.
