first responder – James Mackeddie

Paras 10 – Roman Rampage

I’ve been wanting to stand on the start line of Paras 10 for over a decade, specifically the TAB, however, other events took priority, more so with the move to Catterick In March 2025 a new race started back in Colchester & I finally crossed the start line In true race fashion, I dodged the…

I was on BBC 1’s The One Show

It’s not every day you find yourself on BBC’s The One Show. Less so when you are thinking you are with the Casualty show team to help develop a new Community First Responder character – the surprise was real! I’ve had the fortune of great opportunities, experiences & working with incredible fellow volunteers for the…

The Running Responder

It’s time for a change. Nothing drastic. No new hair style, diet or hobbies. Instead somewhere to capture all activity related to raising awareness and funding for South Central Ambulance Charity. So, I’ve a new instagram page that’ll be the main home for all such shenanigans in the coming months https://www.instagram.com/therunningresponder/ I’ve been a CFR…

Newport Pagnell Carnival 5km with 15kg for charity

On Saturday I rounded off this years physical fundraisers for South Central Ambulance Charity running Newport Pagnell Carnival’s 5km in Community First Responder uniform, boots & a fully laiden 15kg response bag I won’t lie, it was a tough 29 minutes as runner 999. Lack of training swiftly provided a powerful dose of reality, powered…

5km run in full Community First Responder kit

I’ve volunteered as a Community First Responder for South Central Ambulance Service for 2 1/2 years, part of the Newport Pagnell & Olney Team. As well as responding to 999 calls ahead of an Ambulance, I’ve also provided first aid cover at many of Newport’s events during this time. We attend cardiac arrests, heart attacks,…

191 miles with a 14kg weight for charity

Back at the turn of the year, I carried a 14kg weight for 5 miles everyday of the month, with a 4x4x48 challenge thrown in on the 19th, 20th & 21st January – read more about that HERE! This was to raise awareness and funds for South Central Ambulance Charity, who fund Community First Responders…

My 4x4x48 for South Central Ambulance Charity

Back on the 19th, 20th and 21st of January 2024 I completed my 3rd 4x4x48 The wind was whipping, rain accompanied the night & my 3rd 4x4x48 challenge was the best yet 4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 hours, with an additional 20 minutes of CPR Compressions following each round. On this kick off,…