DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding its ever-popular Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge and is hoping that the public will come out in support of those taking part.
The event, which is not a race, is taking place on Sunday, May 15, and involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside.
With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event offers something for everyone.
This year’s 55-mile route will revert back to starting at Watchet Harbour in Somerset at 11am and finish in the Dorset seaside resort of West Bay.
A shorter 11-mile route will start at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton at 2pm and also finish in West Bay.
Supporters will be able to cheer the cyclists on at the starting point, at the various pit stops along the route, or at the finish line celebrations which take place at Station Yard Car Park in West Bay.
The Coast-to-Coast Cycle Challenge is renowned for being an emotional and inspiring day for everyone involved.
That’s no surprise, given the fact that the cyclists include patients who have experienced the work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance first-hand or are cycling in memory of loved ones.
Others get involved as part of a team or simply want to challenge themselves and support the charity in return.
Steve Staple is one such patient who is delighted to be part of the day after Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance helped to save his life.
Steve suffered a cardiac arrest whilst out riding on his bike and there were a whole host of people involved with his rescue and care, all of whom played a key part in his chain of survival.
His story is truly remarkable and can be viewed in full by visiting: https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk/blog/we-feel-incredibly-blessed If you feel inspired by Steve’s story and would like to donate in support of the event and all those taking part, please visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/c2c/donate Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager said: “We cannot wait for our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge this year. My husband is cycling the route for the first time and I know he is excited and terrified in equal measure!.
“The best part, for me, is seeing the beaming faces of the cyclists as they approach the finish line having completed the challenge.
“Thank you to everyone who is taking part and to all those who have sponsored them or fundraised for us as part of the challenge. Subject to operational commitments on the day, our critical care team and helicopter ‘Peggy’ will hopefully make an appearance, encouraging the cyclists on their way.”
More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by calling: 01823 669604.
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