Congratulations to everyone who took part in last Sunday’s Recycle the Island in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Many thanks to Sherie Williams Ellen for her report from the day. Ed
At 8.45am on Sunday the 27th September, cyclists started turning up at Tesco Ryde to sign in for Recycle The Island 2009, all in aid of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance! Many of the cyclists had managed to raise significant amounts of money. Early totals are suggesting that so far £3,000 has been raised for this fantastic life-saving charity.
Shortly after 10am, the Air Ambulance graced us with her presence and landed in the overflow car park at Tesco Ryde. Soon people were flocking over to see what all the fuss was about as the pilots and paramedics chatted with the public, showed them around the helicopter and explained about some of the remarkable work they do.
Not long after the Air Ambulance had landed, the Air Sea Rescue helicopter landed in the same car park, next to the Air Ambulance. The space appeared small, but thanks to the amazing skills of the pilots, there was room for both helicopters to fit in! It was a spectacular sight to see the helicopters together as a joint life-saving force.
The Vectis Corp of Drums turned up to add to the entertainment and help lift peoples’ spirits as they were heading out on the course.
The Bag It Up Re-cycling team set off around 11am with several other people in tow, including Fraser Rowbotham, Air Ambulance Team Leader. He was supervising 14 year old Islander Josh Scrivener, who raised a fantastic £76.20! However, when the group returned, rumour had it; Fraser needed supervision, as he was the only one of the whole group who managed to fall off his bike; much to everyone’s amusement! Luckily the only thing that Fraser hurt was his pride!
The Air Sea Rescue helicopter disappeared at lunchtime to practice their winch training over in Sandown Bay followed by the Air Ambulance which was dispatched on a 999 call. The Air Sea Rescue returned in the afternoon and was joined by Bazza the Bank and a Lemur mascot from the Isle Of Wight Zoo, who both turned up to entertain all the children!
All in all, we had over 50 cyclists turn up to take part. Two of the cyclists were dressed in amazing luminous outfits, taking the recommendations to wear high visibility clothing to the extreme!
All the cyclists returned safely and having raised a spectacular amount of money. Southampton City Council entered a team and managed to raise over £530, with one team member purchasing a bike specifically for the event! A huge well done and thank you for the efforts of all the cyclists!
The Air Sea Rescue left Tesco’s at about 4pm as the event organisers celebrated a very successful day.
A huge ‘Thank You!’ to Tesco Ryde for their generosity in lending their overflow car park to the Air Ambulance. Without the stores support, the helicopters would not have been able to land!
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