Cyclists Get Pedalling to Keep Air Ambulance Flying
On Sunday 22nd May Essex Air Ambulance hosted its third annual Colne Valley Cycle Ride. Over 200 cyclists turned out to take part in a 20 mile or 40 mile cycle ride around the beautiful Colne Valley, plus families enjoyed a fun ride around Earls Colne airfield. The event turned out to be a huge success; so far raising over £4,000 for the life-saving helicopter! The final total raised will be announced once all sponsorship money has been received. Check EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com for updates.
Airlifted patient David Johnson of Leigh rode the 40 mile route around the Colne Valley to raise vital funds for Essex Air Ambulance as a thank you for saving his life. David, 51 is back on the saddle after suffering a cardiac arrest in February whilst 75km into a 100km race from Maldon to Little Baddow. The event also reunited him with a fellow cyclist John Ridd of Chelmsford who was the first person to come to his aid after his collapse. John carried out mouth to mouth resuscitation and heart massage until a passing paramedic stopped to help, before the Essex Air Ambulance landed and the onboard Doctor and Paramedic administered further C.P.R, defibrillation and essential drugs. Once David had been stabilised he was flown to Broomfield Hospital.
Speaking of his reunion with David, John said: “I was delighted to see him looking fit and well, as I did not know if he had even survived the cardiac arrest. I told him that it was me who helped him that day on the Baddow-Burnham ride and was amazed to hear that he first got back on his bike a few weeks ago. This is a testament to the speed the Air Ambulance got to the scene back in February and I'm just delighted that he pulled through.”
David’s next challenge is to complete a 180 mile sponsored ride from Southend to Bruges in June and hopes to raise £3,000 for the Charity. To sponsor David Johnson visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving.
The Essex Air Ambulance made a special landing at the event, giving people the unique opportunity to see the helicopter up close and personal and meet the Air Crew! Plus, the Heart Angels were there to join in the fun.
Wendy Byland, Events Manager of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust said: “We are thrilled that the third Colne Valley Cycle Ride for Essex Air Ambulance was such a great success and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Thank you to everyone who has made this event possible including Five Bells in Colne Engaine and White Heart in Great Yeldham for allowing us to use their premises for refreshments and as a check point on route, all the marshals who helped out on the day including Air Cadets from 1163 (Colne Valley) Sqn and 308 (Colchester) Squadrons and not forgetting the cyclists! We hope that each year the event will get bigger and better raising even more vital funds to help keep the Air Ambulance flying.”
The Charity would like to remind all cyclists who took part to return their completed sponsorship forms and funds to the Charity Office by Thursday 30th June.
