Last Friday, The Gainsborough Academy Year 7 student, Lucas Artiss was presented with the first TGA Pledge Award for Active Citizenship by our CEO, Helen O’Brien.
We are all enormously proud of Lucas, who has now raised over £1600 for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) by walking over 30,000 steps each day in March – spanning a distance of 412 miles! The charity is one close to Lucas’ heart as he dreams of becoming a pandemic when he’s older, and has previously supported the UK’s ambulance service through his generosity and kindness.
Headteacher, Mrs Leng and Lucas’ mum was also present when Lucas received his award.
Anna Leng, Headteacher at The Gainsborough Academy said: “We are extremely proud of Lucas and his wonderful efforts to raise money for such an excellent cause. He is really embodying our Academy Gainsborough Way.”
Lucas said: “It’s been a tough challenge and there are days when I’m so tired, but then I think of all the money raised so far and how much of a difference it will make to the ambulance staff who need help, and I know every step is worth it. If we let our ambulance staff fall then who is going to be there to pick us up if we fall? We must look after our heroes!”
Julie Artiss, Lucas’ Mum added: Lucas has been outstanding; he has never once failed to reach his target and he just got on with doing his steps without me having to push him. All the time throughout his challenge, he has been completing all his school work and homework too. I really cannot praise him enough for his dedication and effort.”
Launched in 2015, TASC is the national charity dedicated to charity for those who care for us and provides mental, physical and financial wellbeing support and advice to help ensure the UK’s lifesaving ambulance community is strong, healthy and ready to be there for the us when we need them. As well as serving and retired ambulance staff, the charity also supports the family members of ambulance staff, Paramedic Science students from year two onwards and current ambulance service volunteers such as Community First Responders.
Jasmin Rana, TASC’s Director of Income Generation and Supporter Engagement said: “Lucas is one of our youngest fundraisers ever, and we’re so excited and grateful that he did the challenge to raise vital funds for TASC. Ambulance staff have one of the most stressful jobs in the UK, and the continuing and long-term impacts of Coronavirus are making their job that much harder. With the support of people like Lucas, TASC can continue to be there for the UK’s lifesavers when they’re struggling and need a bit of help themselves.”