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Thames Valley Air Ambulance first ever ‘Ride Out for Rescue’ fundraiser set for lift off this May

Published: 03 May 2024 Updated: 03 May 2024
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance with Harley-Davidson riding pilot
    Thames Valley Air Ambulance with Harley-Davidson riding pilot
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance with Harley-Davidson riding pilot
    Thames Valley Air Ambulance with Harley-Davidson riding pilot
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew
    Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew
    Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance
    Thames Valley Air Ambulance
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Thames Valley Air Ambulance will soon be hosting their first ever ‘Ride Out for Rescue’ event on Sunday, May 26.

Money raised from the event will go directly towards funding the life saving charity, which relies entirely on public donations to stay airborne and has treated an estimated 35,000 people since its 1999 inception. 

The event celebrates 25 years of operation for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and fittingly, will take attendees on a 25-mile loop, starting from their headquarters in Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire before following a scenic route around the Chilterns and passing by RAF Benson where their helicopter is based. 

Thames Valley Air Ambulance with Harley-Davidson riding pilot

Keen biker and Pilot with Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Alf Gasparro, told MCN: “As a charity, our missions are funded solely by generous donations. By signing up to our Ride Out for Rescue, you get to enjoy a scenic ride around the Chilterns, and get a special 25th anniversary commemorative patch.   

“But you’ll also be helping our charity bring hospital-level care to people when they need it most. I hope to see you there.”  

Registration on the day opens from 09:30, with the group ride departing at 11:30 following a safety briefing. 

Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew

For those booking in advance, the minimum suggested donation stands at £15 per rider and £5 per pillion. Prices rise by an extra fiver for riders who show up on the day without pre-registration, and an extra £2.50 applies too for non-booked pillions.  

Additional fundraising is of course welcome, and bikers are encouraged to direct money raised to the event’s Justgiving page. At the time of writing over £1600 is already in the pot with more donations continuing to come in.  

Hot and cold drinks will be available to purchase at the evening, as will an assortment of food to get you fuelled for the ride, courtesy of an onsite catering service. 

Visit the Thames Valley Air Ambulance website for more.

By Nye Davis

MCN Content Writer, dog dad and motorcycle adventurer - After cutting my teeth in the Motorcycle trade across various technical roles, I began my Motorcycle News journey as a Content Writer in 2024. My enthusiasm for all things two-wheeled began at a young age, having been raised in a bike-mad family. Following a misspent youth riding trails, motocross and a brief dabble into road racing, I completed my A2 licence aged 19 and uncovered a new love for touring. Just a few weeks after gaining my licence, I set off to Scotland and completed the NC500. Inspired by my newfound adventure addiction, I needed to step things up a notch and in the following year, I completed a ride from the Uk to Azerbaijan and back, taking in Europe, western Asia and North Africa. Recently, I undertook my biggest riding challenge to date, tackling a 20,000km route from the UK to South Africa following Africa’s west coast. Having now ridden through 48 countries, experienced a range of disciplines and maintained a life-long passion for bikes I can’t wait to help deliver all the latest biking news. Nowadays my riding escapades are taken a little closer to home, riding around the byways of the Peak District or Wales. Whilst I may gravitate towards long-legged, enduro machines, I have a keen eye on anything with two wheels and an engine, whether it’s a commuter ready scooter or track ripping super naked.