Police pedal power to assist Midlands Air Ambulance
Monday, 16 June, 2014
A team of 25 cyclists from Solihull Police are celebrating after completing a sponsored cycle to Belgium.
The team, which has gained the nickname ‘Heli-coppers,’ completed the 400 mile trek from outside Solihull’s police station to Bruges to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The charity is particularly close to the heart of one of the cyclists PC David Evans. PC Evans was involved in a serious road traffic collision whilst riding his motorbike in 2007 and credits the air ambulance with saving his life.
He said: "The sponsored cycle is set to be a really personal journey for me in particular.
"Looking back I can say without any doubt I wouldn’t be here today and planning this journey without the life-saving treatment I received thanks to the air ambulance.
"And as well as my own story, officers on the team have seen first-hand the amazing work done carried out by the air ambulance in the most difficult of situations − hopefully the money we raise will help this continue."
The ‘Heli-coppers’ team left Solihull police station on Thursday 12 June and arrived in Bruges, Belgium this morning (Monday 16 June).
Riders were followed by a support team in two minibuses provided by CTC Kingshurst Academy, a support vehicle supplied by BMW and a support motorcycle supplied by Honda.
Adam Williams, West Midlands fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance, added: "Each mission costs our service £2,500, so their fundraising efforts will go directly towards saving lives within our region. The cycle ride was a gruelling task and I wish them all the very best of luck."
For further information about the charity cycle visit: www.justgiving.com/Helicoppers
