Sophy Dunn, Helene Poursain, Warren Porritt and Dr Duncan Bootland, will set off together to complete the 131‑mile journey. Dubbed the ‘Fab Four’ by colleagues, they will be supported by colleagues and volunteers from across KSS who will join them along the way. The challenge aims to raise vital funds for the charity while shining a light on the commitment, resilience and teamwork behind its lifesaving work.
The challenge was initiated by Sophy Dunn, Project and Compliance Manager at KSS, who set herself the ambitious goal after being inspired by stories of courage and determination shared at the KSS staff conference last year.
Sophy Dunn said: “This challenge has taken me completely outside my comfort zone, physically, mentally and emotionally. Walking five marathons sounds simple until you start doing the miles. But it’s about more than the distance, it’s about showing what’s possible, even when life throws limitations at you, and raising awareness of the incredible work KSS does.
“We are so grateful for the amount of support we have received, especially by some of our supporters from within our community who are helping to make our life easier, from discounted hotel rooms, to providing much needed refreshments at stops along the way.”
Helene Poursain, Head of Public Fundraising, decided to join the challenge as a personal milestone and a way to give back to a cause she is passionate about.
Helene said: “Walking has always been important for my mental health, but this is a completely different challenge. It’s intense, time‑consuming and tough on the body, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Coming together as one team, with colleagues from across KSS, is what makes this experience so special.”
For Warren Porritt, Head of KSS in Your Community, the challenge carries deep personal significance, marking ten years since KSS saved his life.
Warren said: “Some of the roads we’ll be walking are close to where my accident happened ten years ago. Taking on this challenge feels like a way of celebrating being here and saying thank you. Teamwork will be everything, there will be highs and lows, but we’ll get through it together.”
Dr Duncan Bootland, Executive Medical Director at KSS and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, will complete the ‘Fab Four’, motivated by the opportunity to support colleagues and push himself for a cause that saves lives every day.
Duncan said: “When Sophy shared the idea, it struck a chord straight away. This is about supporting each other, rising to a challenge and showing what Team KSS is all about. It’s going to be tough, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
Funds raised from the challenge will support KSS, which provides lifesaving pre‑hospital emergency treatment and care to people who are critically ill or injured. The charity’s specialist doctors and paramedics are dispatched by air or road to incidents across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, delivering advanced critical lifesaving treatment at the scene and en route to hospital when every second counts. Almost totally funded by public support, the service costs approximately £57k a day, operating 24/7 and responding to an average of nine call outs each day.
The team hopes their journey will inspire others to challenge themselves, support KSS and help raise awareness of the charity’s vital role across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
To support the team or find out more, visit: https://aakss.org.uk/donations-5-marathons/ or follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5marathons5days/#
The team would like to thank the following supporters; Baxall, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Sarah Gorman Blend Fit, Holiday Inn Gatwick, ACJ Promotions, Mummy Hub, Valour, Octagor, Maison Frédérick, The Chequers at Maresfield, Dorwyn Doors and Windows, Hotel Du Vin (Tunbridge Wells) and Hilton DoubleTree Brighton Metropole.
Day 1 – KSS base at Rochester Airport – Ringlestone, Maidstone, East Farleigh, West Farleigh, Nettlestead, Paddock Wood, Matfield, Pembury, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Day 2 – Royal Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge, Upper Hartfield, Uckfield, Maresfield
Day 3 - Marsfield, Isfield, Barcombe, South Malling, Lewes, Swanborough Hill, Brighton (ending at Royal Sussex County Hospital Helipad)
Day 4 – Brighton, Ditchling, Lindfield, Ardingly, Forge Wood, Horley
Day 5 – Horley, Leigh, North Holmwood, Dorking, Reigate, Redhill, KSS base at Redhill Aerodrome
