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Young hero helps out air ambulance
A little boy could be one of the youngest people in the county to take part in a major new fundraiser for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Six-year-old Ryan Gibbs, of Rushden, appeared in the Evening Telegraph last October when he raised more than 400 for the charity by taking part in a sponsored walk and giving up the chance to have birthday presents in exchange for donations.
He was inspired to help the air ambulance after its crew fought to save his father Mark's step-brother, Rushden tattooist Andy Lobban, who died aged 41 in September 2008.
Now Ryan and his mum Emma are hoping to take part in the charity's first ever 5km Heroes Run in the county, which will start at East Carlton Country Park at 11am on Sunday, July 4.
Dad Mr Gibbs said: "Ryan and Emma are keen to take part in the Heroes Run.
"He is a very determined young man and we are all very proud of his efforts. I hope it helps makes a difference to someone's life."
It will be the second time Ryan will take part in such an event, having completed a seven-and-a-half-mile sponsored walk for the air ambulance with his grandad last September.
The South End Infants School pupil said: "I did a long walk because Uncle Andy died. I made it to the end and raised over 300 for the helicopter. I wanted to give money to the air ambulance as they save people and they tried to save my uncle's life.
"I also asked for money for the air ambulance instead of birthday presents just because I have lots of presents and most toys are made out of plastic and just get broken, and I have loads of toys anyway, and I raised over 100.
"I was given a headteacher's award for raising the money and a certificate to say well done."
Since starting his fundraising, Ryan has also been invited to meet the air ambulance crew and look around their helicopter.
He said: "I asked my grandma to make a cake to take to the crew at the base. It was all my idea. I wanted to give them something nice.
"When I saw the helicopter I thought it would be much, much bigger than it actually was, but then I looked inside and saw where people lie down and it looked bigger inside.
"The crew were very friendly and told me about all the equipment and I had my photo taken."
The Heroes Run is open to adults and children and dogs will be welcome.
Participants can run or walk and can opt to dress up as their hero.
To register, visit www.wnaa.co.uk, email heroes@wnaa.co.uk or call 0845 4130999.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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