London Ambulance Charity is inviting Londoners to put on their walking boots and join a family-friendly fundraising walk that takes in views of the capital's landmarks this September.

Money raised will help fund vital initiatives in local communities, such as buying and placing more public-access defibrillators in areas where they're most needed and teach Londoners what to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

The London Life Hike, which is taking place on Sunday, 8 September, is the first ever sponsored walk from London Ambulance Charity.

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, said: "When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating, every second counts.

"If someone nearby can recognise the signs of a cardiac arrest, call 999 and begin chest compression in those moments before our ambulance crews arrive, the chances of survival more than double.

"That's why we want to build a social movement to increase the number of defibrillators across the capital and train as many people as possible in life-saving skills. 

"This is our first ever charity walk and every penny raised will help us fund vital equipment and training so we can help save more lives in London."

Dr Jessica Burgess, Head of Charity Development for the London Ambulance Charity, said: "We are thrilled to be launching this event with London Ambulance Service's endorsement.

"The walk is set to be a really fun day out. As well as walking there'll be CPR training, children's activities and our London Life Hikers can see some of our historic ambulance collection.

"So grab your comfiest walking boots and join us for a journey through the beating heart of our beautiful city."

The walk will start and finish in Battersea Park and participants have a choice of two routes. A family-friendly 5km route will include a children's activity trail – the 'explorer challenge' – and is accessible for wheelchair users.

A longer 20km route will take in scenic views of the River Thames and many of London's most famous landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare's Globe.

Participants taking part in the 20km will be asked to arrive from 10.30am with start timings from 11am. 5km participants will be asked to arrive from 12:30pm with start timings from 1pm.

If you are interested in supporting the charity's vital work by taking on this new challenge, please register for this event. 

A registration fee of £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family ticket will apply. Children under the age of five can enter for free.

There are a number of opportunities for people to support the event without having to participate in the walk, so if you would like to volunteer as a marshal or a helper at the start or finish line, please contact London Ambulance Service on [email protected].