The White Horse Challenge, held in July this year, raised a record amount of funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance with the total reaching nearly £20,000.
The challenge involved people walking either the full challenge (52 miles over both days), one day (25 miles on 4th July and 27 miles on 5th July) or a seven mile family challenge on 5th July. The route takes in some of the county’s White Horses including Westbury’s.
This was the tenth year and a record amount was raised – £19,500. The WAA team of seven members of the charity team raised £1,110.52, beating their target of £1,000.
Rebecca de la Bedoyere, fundraising manager at WAA said, “We are absolutely delighted by the fantastic amount raised in this year’s White Horse Challenge, which will make a real difference in helping to keep our lifesaving helicopter and crew flying.
“Members of the charity team here at Wiltshire Air Ambulance also took part in the Challenge, so we fully appreciate just how demanding the full 52 mile course is, and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who walked part or all of the course to support our vital work.
“The White Horse Challenge has grown over the past decade to become one of the most significant and special fundraising events in our calendar, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of Monahans, Rygor and Rocking Horse Nursery who organise it.
“We’d also like to thank the wonderful marshals who volunteered their time and gave so much encouragement to the walkers, and the team at The Italian Job Coffee, who made sure our walkers started their Sunday hike with a hearty breakfast and a good kick of caffeine.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of everyone involved, we have raised enough to pay for approximately seven potentially lifesaving missions – a terrific achievement.”