Sky high support for Air Ambulance Cycle Challenge

The event, which is not a race, saw a total of 539 cyclists turn out, in what has become an annual spectacular.  525 cyclists took part in the gruelling but glorious 54 mile ride to West Bay in Dorset and a further 14 cyclists completed the shorter 11-mile route which began at Drimpton and also ended at West Bay.

Watchet Town Crier, David Milton, once again brought a local personal element to the starting line by motivating the cyclists with humour and enthusiasm.

Of those taking part, there were former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand.  Others cycled in memory of loved ones, as part of a team, or simply as a personal challenge to show their support for the life-saving charity.

Chris Priddle from Minehead, Andrew Leach (Weymouth) and Michael Walkey (Bridport) were the first three cyclists to cross the finish line.  Chris, who works for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said: “It was my fourth year taking part raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The atmosphere at the start is fantastic and the route is simply brilliant.”

It took 15-year-old Jack Courtney three hours and ten minutes to cycle the 54 mile route. He was delighted to be the first Under 16 to arrive, as was the first woman, Rosalind Willicombe.

At 78 years young, Brian Pursall was the oldest participant of the day, and cycled the full 54 miles. The youngest cyclists were Eva Ellis, Freddie Griffiths and Olivia Reid, all aged 10 who completed the 11 mile route.

Brian Ramsay took part with his two brothers, Derek and Keith.  “In 2009, following a mountain bike accident on the Quantock Hills, I was airlifted to Musgrove Park Hospital.  I suffered a couple of broken vertebrae in my neck and due to my location; the land ambulance couldn’t reach me. Thanks to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s fast response I fully recovered, so after seven years I decided it was time to repay the debt and raise some money.

Twenty-five teams entered the event this year. The biggest group (38 members) were Team o’ Tumblers who once again came out in force and have already raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship. The team’s organiser Rupert Rees said: “So far this year, our total raised is fast approaching £25,000 and we expect more sponsorship to come in. We would like to thank all the organisers and volunteers for making the day very enjoyable. We’re already looking forward to 2017.”

Representatives from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance also set themselves challenges this year. Chairman of Trustees Roger Morgan, chief executive officer Bill Sivewright and pilot Phil Merrit completed the 54 mile event.  Medical lead Dr Phil Hyde cycled the 11 mile route with his wife Hannah and their children George (3) and Emily (5) on a tandem with a tag-along and a front seat.

Bill Sivewright said:   “After every year, I seem to say that it was the best Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge yet and I am delighted to be able to say it again this year. Listening to feedback from those taking part enables us to make any improvements if needed. An added bonus this year was the weather which really boosted people’s spirits at the start line and along the route. The reasons why people enter the event are many and varied and I must say that completion is often such a relief for riders, families and friends that the finish line can be quite an emotional place to be.

“I am particularly proud of the staff and army of volunteers who did such a fantastic job in making sure that the cyclists were directed safely, fed and watered. Their enthusiastic support was a huge lift for those taking part. As ever, we are incredibly grateful to all the riders who took on the challenge and to those who sponsored them on their quest. A final thank you goes to the event sponsors, pit stop locations, local councils and the police and ambulance service for their support in helping to make the day such a success.”

Last year, the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge raised over £64,000. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most in sponsorship in specific categories. Closing date for sponsorship is 1 August 2016.

More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by calling: 01823 669604.