NGK Spark Plugs Marketing Manager, Mark Hallam and his wife Anne, have taken part in the virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance who had helped when their 18-year-old nephew Billy was taken seriously ill five years ago.

The service landed a helicopter close to Billy's family home and transferred him to Harefield Hospital which was an 11-minute journey compared to a 40-minute drive. The swift delivery of Billy to hospital allowed them to diagnose an aneurysm which led to a bleed on his brain. Unfortunately, there was no chance of recovery for Billy and he died peacefully the following day.

The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance receives no NHS funding and relies completely on charitable donations, with each flight costing £2700. The couple have so far raised £1750 in total for the service and if anyone would like to make a donation, they can still do so by using the following link; https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkHallam

Commenting on the completion of the gruelling 26.2 mile challenge Mark said, “The weather was perfect for a marathon but I found the final five miles very tiring. My legs were fine but I felt like my feet were falling apart. Thanks to everyone who sponsored us including NGK, it means a lot to our family.”

For more information about NGK Spark Plugs and its products and services, please visit www.ngkntk.com/uk