A WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance pilot is running this year's Bath Half Marathon.

David 'Elvis' Costello will be taking part in the 13-mile run on March 15 as training for a 30-mile route he plans to complete later in the year to fundraise for the charity on its 30th anniversary.

He said: “I ran a couple of half marathons about ten years ago. I’m looking forward to this one and I’ve been encouraged by the experience of other crew members who completed it last year.

“The event receives amazing support and I hope that it will raise much needed funds to help Wiltshire Air Ambulance continue to bring critical care to the public when they most need it.”

Elvis, who will be cheered on by his wife and five-year-old son, added: “I see the difference the charity makes to people’s lives every day.

“Whenever we attend an incident, people are generally at their most vulnerable and the care and compassion our paramedics provide is only made possible by donations from the public and businesses.”

General entries for the event have sold out but the charity has places available at a discounted rate of £30 throughout January. To join, visit wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/events/waa-events/2020-bath-half-marathon

Runners on Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s team are asked to raise a minimum of £200.

The event is on Sunday March 15, which coincides with Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s 30th birthday.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance events coordinator Kenresa Stratford said: “We’re taken part in the Bath Half Marathon for a number of years and we’re really proud that our 30th birthday falls on the same day as this year’s Bath Half.

“We have places available for people who would like to take part. The funds raised by all our runners will enable us to continue providing our lifesaving service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties, including Somerset.”

Last year’s Bath Half Marathon raised £27,000 for the charity.