A group of five cyclists from South Central Ambulance Service Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service have completed the 54-mile London to Brighton Bike Ride.
Russell, Sarah, Hilary, Kevin and Louise were inspired to raise money for your local Air Ambulance as “a way of saying thanks”, with some of the group having had personal help from us before.
Joining 10,000 other riders on Father’s Day, the pedalers, assisted by their support riders Deb and Stuart, had an early start as they journeyed up to London at 6.30am for a 9.30am start time.
“It was hot, humid and very sticky with no breeze,” says Russell. “We managed to stick together for the first few miles, but we separated when having to navigate the various traffic lights getting out of London.”
The group encountered rain and thunderstorms, slow punctures and Ditchling Beacon, “the hill of all hills”, on their mammoth ride but finished in high spirits, and wet clothes, as they crossed the finish line.
Russell said: “We all had a fantastic day out and had a lot of banter with riders along the way. The support was great from the public, playing loud music and waving us on.
“We have all worked closely with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for many years and would like to show our gratitude by giving something back to this amazing charity.
“We hope we have done the charity proud and that we can continue to raise as much money as possible.”
Support the Patient Pedalers via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Patient-Pedalers2
