Bertie Badger will be running across Wimbledon Common next month to raise money for St John Ambulance and promote first aid awareness.

The larger than life badger will be taking part in the AFC Wimbledon Charity Mascot Race at the common on Sunday, September 15.

Bertie is the mascot of St John Ambulance’s youngest section, the Badgers.

James Partridge, who will be in the 8kg costume, said: "I’m running to raise awareness of the value of learning first aid.

"You never know when you’ll need first aid skills.

"They could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved."

James, of the Hither Green unit, joined as a young cadet and now helps teach vital life-saving skills to adults.

The 19-year-old has assisted in real-life situations including a man who collapsed with a suspected stroke and a car accident involving a child.

Each year up to 140,000 people lose their lives where first aid could have given them a chance of survival.

In 2012 St John Ambulance taught around 800,000 people first aid.

Donate at justgiving.com/BertieBadger

 

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