After a year of challenges before his 30th birthday, Jack Jenkins has pushed himself to both physical and mental limits. And thanks to the generosity of guests and team members alike, he has not only met his fundraising target but smashed it.
From his first challenge of a North Sea Survival Course, Jack has met every challenge since head-on. Suggested by guests, staff and the charity NARS, those challenges have included a New Year swim in the sea, the famous Maldon Mud Race, a 56-mile bike challenge from London to Brighton, a 30-hour race across Europe, and a death-defying wing walk.
Jack competing at the 2024 Maldon Mud Race While a £30,000 target before his 30th had a ring to it, Jack has raised a whopping £50,000 since last November. Furthermore, this has been topped up to £55,000 by the Potters Friends Foundation CIC, founded in memory of Brian Potter MBE.
What was Jack’s Drive to Save Lives all about?
Norfolk-based charity NARS (Norfolk Accident Rescue Service) have, for over 50 years, been responding to critical emergencies in ‘blackspots’ across the county. These are areas that can take longer for ambulances to reach, and as such, NARS provide an often life-saving first response.
First responders at NARS are largely made up of medical professionals who volunteer their free time to the charity, and the thousands of diverse 999 calls that span the spectrum of emergencies.
From tackling allergic reactions and cardiac arrests to handling incidents like a fallen rider with a broken arm, NARS is Norfolk’s Emergency Medical Charity and has become an indispensable force supporting the East of England Ambulance Trust throughout the county.
In many situations, every second counts, and with no government funding, NARS not only rely on the support they receive from their amazing volunteers, but also constant fundraising to provide and maintain their first response vehicles, and the life-saving equipment they carry.
So what will £55,000 provide?
Jack’s efforts will support NARS in purchasing the community’s new primary first response car, to continue their life-saving work. And having exceeded his £30,000 target, they can now purchase an all-terrain vehicle better suited to handle specific challenges.
Plus, with the additional £5,000 donation from the Potters Friends Foundation, the car will also carry an epoc® system; a state-of-the-art blood analysis tool that provides crucial information on a patient’s condition at the scene.
Chris Neil, one of the team’s Critical Care Paramedics said: “First and foremost, without these vehicles, it is simply not possible for us to respond as we do. And each year, the number of 999 calls diverted to NARS increases.
“The addition of the epoc® system is a game changer and not something we’ve been able to carry on board prior to this donation. It will undoubtedly save more lives. Every second counts and this piece of kit gives us a much clearer diagnosis, much more quickly.”
Photography by Sonya Duncan Photography A Night of Celebration
On Saturday 12th October, NARS hosted their annual charity ball at Dunston Hall in Norwich, Norfolk. Jack was guest of honour alongside other representatives from Potters, including John Potter who has been a patron of the charity since 2018, following a £10,000 donation which allowed NARS to purchase their very first Community First Responder vehicle.
NARS Patron John Potter (centre) receives a gift from Steve Maddams (left) and the evening’s host, David Whiteley (right). Photography by Sonya Duncan PhotographyIn total, around £100,000 has been raised and donated to NARS following the charitable efforts of Potters’ staff and guests.
NARS’ Steve Maddams, another of the Critical Care volunteers, said: “The support we’ve had from Potters since 2018 has been fantastic. The team and the guests have really embraced NARS as a charity, and Jack’s Drive has once again delivered vital funds to NARS as we continue this charity’s now 54 year legacy of saving lives. We’re all so grateful.”
On the night, Jack and John were welcomed on stage to present Steve and Chris from NARS with their cheque for £55,000. Furthermore, over £20,000 was raised on the night through a raffle, live auction and some fun and games.
John Potter (second from left) and Jack Jenkins (far right) present Steve Maddams and Chris Neil from NARS with their cheque for £55,000. Photography by Sonya Duncan PhotographyOkay, okay. Let’s address the lobster in the room.
Over to Potters Resorts Managing Director, Mike Scott: “Jack needed a tiny nudge to reach the magical £50,000. And I could think of no greater final challenge than to get him to dress up for the NARS Charity Ball as a lobster.” Enough said.
NARS bought their initial Community First Responders vehicle following a donation from Potters in 2018A final word from Jack himself…
“It’s been an incredible experience. I wanted to do something big for charity before my 30th, and NARS is such a great example of people giving up their spare time to help others. I’m so proud of these achievements, the challenges were unforgettable, but mostly, I’ll remember the unbelievable generosity of our guests, and of course, my colleagues who have helped raise these vital funds.”
And we’ll be catching up with Jack later this month as he reflects on his year of challenges, and his upcoming 30th birthday. So stay tuned…
