Fed rep shares excitement as he sets off for Africa

13 September 2024

West Mercia Police Federation representative Rob ‘Swoosh’ Seewoosaha has embarked on the 'trip of a lifetime', travelling on a charity mission to Africa.

Setting off yesterday (Thursday 12 September) the sergeant is heading for The Gambia, in Western Africa, to deliver disused ambulances and fire engines to the country as part of the Emergency Services Aid Charity, all in his own free time.

The 49-year-old will be joined by fellow volunteers with an emergency service background as the group travels to The Gambia in the vehicles themselves.

Chris Fowler and Rob 'Swoosh' Seewoosaha on their fundraising trip across the Malvern Hills

Speaking ahead of his departure, Rob said: “I signed up for the project last year after jumping at the chance when I became aware of it. I know they made a similar trip to The Gambia in 2021, and I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to be part of this one.

“The geography and climate of the country can be tricky with a lot of heat and wildfires but also rain, too. This can see them struggle with healthcare and emergency services and of course, everyone in the world deserves and needs proper access to these things.”

The fleet will convene in Portsmouth and then take a ferry to Santander, in Spain, before driving down the Spanish mainland to Gibraltar. Another ferry will then take them over to Morocco, and they will cross the Western Sahara in the vehicles, passing through Mauritania and Senegal and anticipating arrival in their final destination on Thursday, 26 September.

Rob is set to drive an ambulance for portions of the journey and will do so alongside fellow Federation member Chris Fowler.

Fundraising efforts

The pair have raised more than £6,000 between them for the Emergency Services Aid Charity in the build-up to the expedition. Their fundraising efforts included a 10.5-mile walk over the Malvern Hills while wearing full protective uniform back in June.

“I will also be joined by people and police officers from all over the world, and I think it will be great to meet new friends while going on a huge adventure and doing something so impactful,” he added.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the looks on people’s faces as they receive the vehicles. It’s difficult to imagine them having been without this infrastructure and providing them with it will surely change a lot of lives.”

Rob, who will fly back to the UK from Banjul, The Gambia’s capital city, on Wednesday, 2 October, also placed on record his gratitude for all of the support he and Chris have received so far.

Federation members can still donate to the cause of the Emergency Services Aid Charity by visiting their JustGiving page.