Once COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ruled out the undertaking of our original fundraising ultramarathon challenge, we set about organising our own. Taking inspiration from an adventure blogger (theordinaryadventurer.com) we decided to tackle the London Bridges 30-mile challenge. Starting in Hampton Court and finishing on Tower Bridge, crossing the 26 bridges accessible to pedestrians over the Thames along the way.

A long, daunting day lay ahead as we emerged from the train straight into dense fog, but with the first few crossings under our belts and sunshine on the horizon, things were looking up and progress was good.

Richmond, Kew, Chiswick, Putney and Battersea came and went before a scheduled pit stop at 22 miles in Chelsea, where water bottles were filled and spirits were lifted courtesy of some friendly faces on duty at Chelsea Fire Station.

Full of fatigue, gratitude and inspiration the final eight miles proved to be enjoyable with the combined powers of adrenaline and achievement edging physical discomfort-into the background.

Crossing Tower Bridge after six hours of navigating London via her mighty river was exhilarating and only heightened by all the generous donations for such a worthy cause.

As the founder of Emergency First Aid Ltd, which has helped raise funds to equip 16 schools with Defibrillator Units, Danny had the pleasure of crossing paths with Della Tudisca.

I too was introduced to Della while attending a cardiac screening event at the Grange Farm Centre in Essex.

We were both touched by her personal story and inspired by her fantastic work with CRY to help prevent tragic young deaths.