Sean Ash, an emergency call handler working for the London Ambulance Service, has raised over 65k for the LAS charitable funds which supports the staff working for the service.
The UNISON member was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome in August 2020, which left his lower body paralysed. He spent 3 months at Stoke Mandeville National Spinal Injuries Centre, where he underwent physio, hydrotherapy and seeing a psychologist once a week.
Despite being told he would never walk again, Sean defied the odds and started taking steps with a zimmer frame.
After being inspired by Captain Tom Moore and seeing how hard his colleagues were working on the front line, Sean decided to raise money for the LAS charitable funds. A charity which provides amenities and support to staff as a way of saying thank you for their hard work and dedication, as well as supporting operational activities such as the Volunteer Responder Group.
Sean said: “I have only ever walked a maximum of 10 metres, but I’m going to go the Xtra Mile because our NHS staff all go the extra mile for us, and working at the London Ambulance Service has opened my eyes to the stress and difficulties that our NHS staff endure for us.
“I want to help to give something back and I hope you can all rally behind me as I attempt to pull off the impossible. I will attempt to walk the Xtra Mile for the London Ambulance NHS Trust, walking 0.5 miles over two periods. I hope you can support me. I will walk with my Zimmer frame, wearing splints with my wheel chair behind me for safety reasons.”
Sean has already completed several walks, one around his local area and another around Millwall football stadium.
UNISON LAS branch secretary Eddie Brand said: “We are so proud to have Sean as a member of our branch, he is carrying out such a courageous act for the benefit of all staff at the London Ambulance Service, Sean is a real life NHS hero.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting Sean’s just giving page here. Good luck Sean!