CYCLISTS will be taking to their bikes later this month to recycle the Island!
This fun cycling event is once again taking place on the Island on Saturday September 25 to generate public awareness of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity and their textile recycling schemes in partnership with Bag It Up Ltd.
Last year’s event saw 50 cyclists of all ages taking part, enjoying the wonderful island scenery, whilst raising over £5,000 in sponsorship money, to help keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
The event is looking for as much support as possible to generate more life-saving funds this year, and anyone can enter online at www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk/post.cfm/recycle-the-island-2010.
It’s a fun, fit and fantastic way to help support this vital service, so why not get ‘On Ya Bike’ and start training and fundraising.
There are two routes available; a shorter 15 mile Blue route, and a 50 mile Red route for those wanting a bigger challenge. Cyclists will pass several of the textile recycling banks during the ride which raise significant funds for the Air Ambulance.
The Air Ambulance will be based at Tesco in Ryde for the day. If operational commitments allow, entrants will have the opportunity to look at the helicopter, meet and chat with the paramedics and pilot who carry out the life-saving missions.
A spokesman said; “It is the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who keep the Air Ambulance flying. Without your continued support, it wouldn’t be where it is today!
“Please visit www.bagitup.org.uk/upcoming-event-article.php?rd=141 to find to find about more about the event, plus details of how you can recycle to raise funds for your Air Ambulance.”
HIOWAA provides air ambulance services across Hampshire and the Island in response to emergency calls.
Since the air ambulance became operat-ional on July 1, 2007 it has undertaken over 2,375 missions, many of which have saved lives.
It is now flying seven days per week, being called to missions on average four to five times a day. HIOWAA receives no Government funding, and relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations.
As a charity it only receives help through secondment of paramedics from the NHS. To keep the air ambulance flying needs £3,000 per day.
