Watford FC manager supports Hemel woman's fundraiser for the East of England Ambulance Service

Layla Mitchell has raised over £1,000 through her cycling challenge for the ambulance service
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A woman from Hemel Hempstead who is cycling 320 miles in her garden to raise money for the ambulance service has received messages of support from Watford FC's manager Nigel Pearson and actor Robert Wilfort who plays Jason West in Gavin and Stacey.

Layla Mitchell, 22, is cycling from her home in Hemel Hempstead to Lands End in Cornwall on an exercise bike in her garden, to raise money for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust Charitable Fund.

She has worked out a route that will take 320.1 miles over 14 days, she is doing around 23 miles each day, and she has already smashed her original target of £100 - she has already raised £1,165.

Layla is cycling 320.1 miles in her garden to raise money for the ambulance serviceLayla is cycling 320.1 miles in her garden to raise money for the ambulance service
Layla is cycling 320.1 miles in her garden to raise money for the ambulance service

Layla, who is head of room at a day nursery, said: "I started it on Monday, and have been getting up every day at 6am to do it, it's difficult but rewarding.

"Once I have completed my challenge I am also making hampers to give to the station as well.

"In the back of my mind I have always thought a lot about wanting to become a paramedic, and many people have told me to go for it.

"But, at the end of last year I got a call from my doctors to say I have a very low immune system, something called Immunoglobulin A deficiency, meaning I lack a type of antibody that protects me from many infections. So this has made me a bit more wary of becoming a paramedic as I cannot afford to get poorly so often.

"This is why I have decided to take on a very tough challenge.

"I have always loved the job and have a lot of respect for what they do, I wanted to raise £100 for the ambulance service as a way of saying thank you for everything they do.

"I've had a video message from actor Jason West supporting me and I have just had one from Nigel Pearson, Watford Manager, as well which is great.

"Shona McGarty who plays Whitney Dean in Eastenders and Stevie Johnson who featured in Made in Chelsea have also supported me throughout my fundraising by mentioning me with lovely messages on Twitter.

"I would like to thank all my family and friends, and everyone who has donated so far, I really appreciate it."

The East of England Ambulance Service is an NHS trust responsible for providing National Health Service ambulance services in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The charity operates for the benefit of patients, staff, and the health of the population, in support of the Trust’s values and strategic goals.

To help Layla raise money for the East of England Ambulance Service Charitable Fund, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laylamitchell.

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