SAR pilot to tackle London marathon in aid of children with cancer

A search and rescue pilot is swapping his flying wings for running shoes to take on the London Marathon on Sunday, April 28, 2019 in aid of Children with Cancer UK.

Captain Peter Collins is a pilot with HM Coastguard Search and Rescue (SAR), operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd. He will put his strength and endurance to the test to run the 26-mile marathon after seeing the devastating effects of cancer first-hand.

The pilot was inspired to raise money for the charity after flying dozens of children in poor health to hospital for essential cancer care over the course of his career.

Peter is a seasoned runner and regularly competes in major running competitions both in the UK and internationally. He is no stranger to marathons, having previously took part in the Berlin Marathon, posting a respectable time of 3:16:00.

He has been a pilot for 36 years, operating from the SAR base in Stornoway. As part of a team, he provides vital life-saving support to the marine industries, the offshore energy sector, as well as to land-based incidents including missing persons and other medical emergencies.

“As a SAR pilot, I’ve helped transport young patients between hospitals in the UK for life-saving cancer treatment many times and I’m always humbled by their resilience and cheerfulness.

“Children with Cancer UK provides help and support to these children and their families through very challenging times in their lives, and I am proud to support their efforts,” said Peter.

“I am training as much as I can to prepare for the challenge and fitting in my training between various SAR flying courses. I’m currently in Italy attending the Leonardo Training Academy learning to fly the Leonardo AW189, but I try to squeeze in at least one run a day.”

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer and has funded more than 200 projects in the UK since it was founded in 1987.

Find out more about Peter’s cause here.