GNAAS paramedic in helicopter costume for Great North Run

Jake Gunn, 36, from Durham, joined the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s (GNAAS) critical care team last year after previously working as a specialist paramedic at the North East Ambulance Service.

Jake, who is well known for his positive attitude at work, has now decided to wear the charity’s mascot helicopter costume Ellie Copter to bring some joy to the crowds of people taking part in the run with him.

He said: “This is my first time doing the Great North Run and also my first ever half marathon.

“I decided to dress up as Ellie to raise awareness of GNAAS and to put a smile on the faces of the many people who will be overtaking me.”

The costume is normally worn by the charity’s fundraising team at events and during community talks to school children, but no-one has ever ran 13.1 miles in it before.

The cumbersome size of the mascot costume meant it was too big to fit in Jake’s car and he had to recruit his father-in-law Steve to help transport it.

He also helped out with repairs to the costume, as its frequent use meant it had endured some wear and tear.

Jake said: “Steve has been a massive help with the repairs and also picking up the costume in the first place. The costume has been given lots of love and a bit of glue.

“I’ve removed the eyes temporarily so they can flap down and I can see out a little and have some airflow in because it gets super hot. I’ve also bought a handheld fan I’m going to attach to the inside to get some more airflow and I plan on running with a camel pack that’s frozen so I can keep cool in there.”

He’s done some practice runs in a weighted vest as well as wearing the costume for short runs in the lead-up to the big race, including around GNAAS’ hangar in between call-outs.

Throughout his paramedic career Jake had always aspired to work at GNAAS and he has now been in his role as an air ambulance paramedic for nearly a year.

Reflecting on his time at the charity he said: “I’ve loved every second of working at GNAAS. It’s challenging but it’s rewarding, and I’m surrounded by an amazing team making a difference to the local community. I still pinch myself coming into work.”

Jake is just one of several members of GNAAS’ team who are taking part in the Great North Run this year, and he has already raised over £1,000. You can sponsor him here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jacob-Gunn