Riders hoping to swell £35,000 funds already raised for Air Ambulance.
Hundreds of motorbike riders will be raising funds to support the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) for the 11th year in a row, this weekend.
The annual Chilly Willy Ride Out is revving up to take place on Sunday from 12pm when bikers will set off on their route in a loop from the Northampton Active water centre, along Bedford Road to Olney and back again.
It’s all to raise money for the important 999 service, which relies entirely on donations to raise the £2,300 needed for each rescue mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.
Since the Chilly Willy Ride Out began in 2013, the dedicated group of motorcyclists have raised £35,958 to support the charity’s lifesaving missions across the region.
Last year more than 800 riders took part in the annual event and the same again is being planned for 2025, with refreshments and charity merchandise available for spectators. British motorcycle legend Steve Parrish will also attend the event.
“We have been supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance for the last 11 years to ensure they can continue to provide pre-hospital critical care to those who need it most,” said Paul Nicholls, Chilly Willy organiser.
“Being a motorcycle rider as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, wild camping, and mountain biking, I know how important the WNAA crew are when we’re in remote locations. They can get to the location within minutes, flying at around 185mph and are able to give people the best chance of survival and recovery."
Villagers and town residents are preparing to welcome the convoy of bikes as they pass through communities.
“Paul Nicholls is one of a small group of volunteers who spread themselves very thinly in order to raise money for the Air Ambulance,” said Debbie Whitworth, Mayor of Olney and Milton Keynes city council ward councillor.
“Reaching a medical emergency in rapid time can be the difference between life and death. That’s where your local Air Ambulance comes in. There are no boundaries in the sky when it comes to an emergency for the Air Ambulance crew, they’ll attend Buckinghamshire when the emergency calls come in.”
For more details, visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk.
