Seend’s Wiltshire Air ambulance chief takes on The White Horse Challenge

WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance’s chief executive from Seend will be swopping his suit and desk for walking boots and a rucksack when he takes on the full 55-mile White Horse Challenge this July.   

David Philpott will undertake the gruelling two-day countryside hike, which takes in seven of the county’s white horses on 5th and 6th July.  Now in its 9th year, the challenge has raised more than £97,000 for the air ambulance.

David will lead a team of staff, trustees and volunteers from the charity who will also undertake some or all of the challenge. Calling themselves ‘On White Horses’,  after the 1970’s chart-topping hit of the same name, together they hope to raise £1,000.

The challenge is organised by Wiltshire and Somerset based, chartered accountants and financial advisors, Monahans, who have offices in Bath, Chippenham, Glastonbury, Swindon and Trowbridge; Rygor Group, a dealership for Mercedes trucks and vans based in Westbury; and Rocking Horse Nursery based in Shaw.

The choice of walks ranges from a seven-mile family challenge up to the whole 55 miles over two days. The challenge can be completed individually, as part of a team or as a relay. Walkers can also bring their dogs.

David said, “We cannot thank the organisers, sponsors and participants enough for continuing to support this fantastic fundraising event. The funding we need to keep Wiltshire Air Ambulance flying is set to rise at the end of this year when we take delivery of our new helicopter, and from January 2015 we will need to find £2.5 million to keep this vital, life-saving service operational. I’m training hard and walking 15 miles a couple of times week. I’m really looking forward to walking through the glorious Wiltshire countryside and hoping for good weather! I hope many more teams and individuals will join us for this challenge which has raised a truly incredible amount over the years.”

Zoe Meaden from Monahans, added, “We are delighted that the Wiltshire Air Ambulance are entering a team this year, the service is the backbone of the community and saves so many lives. The event is open to everyone and I would encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to contact me.”

To sponsor David and the ‘On White Horses’ Wiltshire Air Ambulance walking team go to www.justgiving.com/WAA-On-White-Horses.

For more information and to register a place in the challenge visit www.whitehorsechal lenge.co.uk  or contact Zoe Meaden on 01225 785520, email Zoe.Meaden@mona hans.co.uk