Walkers to take in London's sights while bidding to improve cardiac arrest survival

A family-friendly fundraising walk is taking place in London this September to improve cardiac arrest survival in the capital.

The London Ambulance Charity is hosting the walk, named the London Life Hike.

Londoners are encouraged to tie up their laces and take part in this walk taking in the capital's most famous landmarks.

Funds raised from the event will directly go towards essential life-saving initiatives in communities.

These plans include the buying and placement of more public access defibrillators in areas with high necessity and providing education to Londoners on how to respond and help someone enduring a cardiac arrest.

Taking place on September 8, the London Life Hike is the first charity walk organised by the charity.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of London Ambulance Service, said: "When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating, every second counts.

"If someone nearby can recognise the signs of a cardiac arrest, call 999 and begin chest compression in those moments before our ambulance crews arrive, the chances of survival more than double.

"That’s why we want to build a social movement to increase the number of defibrillators across the capital and train as many people as possible in life-saving skills.

"This is our first ever charity walk and every penny raised will help us fund vital equipment and training so we can help save more lives in London."

Dr Jessica Burgess, who is the head of charity development for the London Ambulance Charity, added: "We are thrilled to be launching this event with London Ambulance Service’s endorsement.

"The walk is set to be a really fun day out.

"As well as walking there’ll be CPR training, children’s activities and our London Life Hikers can see some of our historic ambulance collection.

"So grab your comfiest walking boots and join us for a journey through the beating heart of our beautiful city."

The charity walk will start and finish at Battersea Park, with two different route choices for participants.

The first route is a 5km family route that also includes an explorer challenge for children, as well as being wheelchair accessible.

The second route is a 20km extensive track that meanders along the River Thames, offering views of iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare's Globe.

For those interested in taking part, registration for the event is now open, with a fee of £10 for adults, £5 for children, and £25 for a family ticket.

For children under five, participation is free.

The 20km walk will start from 11am onwards, with participants expected to begin entering at 10.30am.

Those completing the 5km route should arrive by 12.30pm for a start time of 1pm.

Besides joining the walk, those wanting to support the event in other ways such as volunteering as marshals or helpers either at the start or finish line can contact londamb.lascharity@nhs.net.

The money raised will go towards installing more defibrillators in public places, and on training Londoners what to do when someone has a cardiac arrest.