We held our 13th annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge on Saturday 18th May and what an amazing day it was!

In what has become a real spectacle, hundreds of cyclists took part, either by completing the challenging 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset, or a shorter 11-mile route which started at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton. Both distances finished in the beautiful Dorset seaside resort of West Bay.  

Taking part in the event were former patients who had experienced the work of DSAA first-hand, others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.

Emma Fisher - First Female	Sam Beard - First Male
John Plested - Joint Oldest Participant	Alan Harris - Joint Oldest Participant
Isabel Swancutt - Youngest (to complete 55-mile route)	Eva Hyde - Joint Youngest

Watchet Town Crier, David Milton, started the event from Watchet with a 10-second countdown, whilst supporters lined the roads, cheering and clapping the cyclists as they set off, at the various pit stops along the route and at the finish line celebrations.

West Bay was a buzz of atmosphere, with music and interviews being played by Keep106 radio, and everyone enjoying the refreshments available on offer. There were so many incredible stories of courage, determination and triumph shared on the day, with many hugs and tears shed by families, friends and loved ones.

Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Events Officer, praised the efforts of the cyclists and those that were involved in the organisation of the day:

What an incredible day we had at our annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, everyone who took part should be so proud of what they have achieved. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the cyclists and to everyone who helped to organise the event, including our incredible volunteers and wonderful supporters. Over £46,000 has already been raised for this year’s event which is incredible!

Each life-saving mission that our crew are tasked to costs approximately £3,500, so we are immensely grateful to everyone for raising vital funds for our charity, so our crew can be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future.

Our next event is the fantastic 5K Twilight Shift, which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday 6th July. Online registration is open on our website and we would love for you to join us for a 5K run or walk, whilst helping to raise funds for our life-saving charity.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance would like to thank all those who supported the event including: Bicycle Chain, The Bell Inn Creech St Michael, Carly Press Printing, Cotswold First Aid, DocBike, Garador, Timewise, Glastonbury Spring Water, Hunts Food Group, Ilminster Ambulance Station, Keep106 and The Royal Oak Pub Drimpton.

Photos from the day - https://photos.app.goo.gl/tbn6jLYvANurFpYH9 

Register for the 5K Twilight Shift Today

Entrance fees: Adults (£15), Under 16’s (£10). 
Please note, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.