A LOCAL couple are preparing to cycle over 180 miles in three days to raise £4,500 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Gaynor and Nick Cole will embark on the gruelling challenge on Friday 28th June, cycling around the 300km boundary of Wiltshire.
“The route is the equivalent of cycling from London to Leeds and the combined climbs is equivalent to scaling Snowdon twice,” explained Nick.
“The Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity is close to our hearts and we have seen the great work the charity does and the life-changing difference each mission can make.
“Our first aim is to raise £4,500, as this is the cost of a mission for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, the cost to get the helicopter in the air along with the medical team. Wiltshire is a large rural county and the air ambulance really does make the difference; in many cases, it is the difference between life and death.”
The couple will start their challenge at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance base in Semington. “We will then head north towards Malmesbury, around Swindon with a detour to Swindon’s Great Western Hospital, out towards Marlborough with some challenging climbs and then a stay near the Savernake Forest on the first night,” says Nick.
“Day two covers the eastern part of the county, heading through Tidworth and eventually down to Salisbury with a call-in to Salisbury District Hospital. The last day sees more climbs around the south-west of the county with some challenging terrain towards Trowbridge and the finish back at the airbase.”
Gaynor, who is the business manager at Spa Medical Centre in Snowberry Lane, Melksham, said, “For over 30 years, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has provided an invaluable service for those in need of urgent medical care. Working in the health service, I know personally how important and lifesaving Wiltshire Air Ambulance is. I am taking on the challenge to show my support and raise important funds for the charity.”
Wiltshire Air Ambulances corporate partnerships lead, Naomi Barker, said, “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is thrilled that Nick and Gaynor are undertaking this unique challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for us to continue providing vital response for those living in Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas. We’re so thankful for his efforts.”
Each year, it costs £4.5 million to run Wiltshire Air Ambulance which flies over a thousand missions annually, responding to 351 cardiac emergencies and 174 road traffic collisions in 2023. It operates up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you want to get involved, cycle some of the route with Nick and Gaynor, or make a donation, then head to https://bit.ly/nickcolecharityride
