Champion cyclist encourages people to ride for air ambulance

WILTSHIRE’S Champion Para-cyclist Lauren Booth is calling on people to get on their bicycles and take part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel/100 cycling event to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA).

Lauren, who is a charity ambassador for WAA, is taking part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel on Sunday 25th September along with her mum, Lisajayne Booth, and they are both going to ride 45 miles.

Lauren, 15, of Chippenham, said, “We haven’t done the Big Wheel before and we are looking forward to it, It will be a new challenge for a good cause. The Big Wheel is a great opportunity to explore Wiltshire whilst keeping fit and raising awareness of the air ambulance.”

Also taking part are WAA charity ambassador and sports star Shelley Rudman, who lives in the Pewsey Vale, and BBC Wiltshire presenter Graham Seaman and his neighbour Fred Pileggi. This is Graham’s first ever attempt at something like this, but is getting tips from Fred who has done it twice before.

Riders have a choice of routes for the Wiltshire Big Wheel from a 12 mile family route, 45 or 100 miles. The ride, organised by Bristol-based Bike Events, starts and finishes at The Green in Devizes and goes through the Vale of Pewsey. The 45 mile route goes to Marlborough and the 100 route takes in the Wylye Valley and Salisbury.

Kenresa Stratford, fundraising co-ordinator at WAA said, “There’s been great interest in the Wiltshire Big Wheel and 100 event and we had an increase in sign-ups following the Olympic Games, which we think is as a result of the success of Team GB in the velodrome inspiring people to get involved in cycling.

“It’s brilliant that Lauren is taking part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel to support us. We’d love more people to take part. It’s a great event and you don’t have to be an elite cyclist to do it.

“The 12 mile family route is ideal for a leisurely ride, while for those wanting a longer ride there are the 45 and the 100 mile routes.”

Registration is £5 for children. Adult entry costs £10 for the 12 mile route, £17.50 for the 45 mile route and £23 for the 100 mile route.

There is no minimum fundraising target but, as an incentive, people who raise £75 will receive a medal on completion of the ride and those who raise £150 will receive a cycling jersey.

For more information or to sign up email kenresa@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or visit
www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk