Beeline: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine, Spring 2016

how people help
From end to end…
Cycling the entire length of the UK is a challenge that thousands of people
take on each year. Whether cycling south from Lands End to John O’Groats
(LEJOG) or north from John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) it is an
experience you never forget. We hear from those who have done it for DSAA
Torr De Britain
Five employees from Aggregate Industries at Torr
Works Quarry in Somerset endured Britain’s ultimate
cycling challenge by riding from John O’Groats to
Land’s End, raising funds for Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance.
Initially the challenge was personal for those taking
part (Sam May, Calum Barnett, Matt Wilkins, James
Ashman and Gary Pryer) as four out of the five riders
were amateurs and had never cycled before.
During the year-long preparation and training, in
typical wet and windy British weather, the team realised
it would be a fantastic opportunity to raise money for
two charities close to their hearts. Sam and Matthew
The team from
Aggregate
Industries did
the JOGLE ride
for DSAA and
Macmillan
are both retained firefighters and have attended many
incidents alongside the crew of Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance, seeing first-hand how valuable the air
ambulance is in helping to save lives. This was the reason
they selected Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance,
alongside Macmillan, who would share any funds raised.
A brilliant team effort saw the cyclists ride 960 miles
in a total of nine days. Although the route was long
and tiresome, the adventurers were not alone on their
quest as a much-needed support vehicle and crew
(Paul Herridge, Jody Herridge and Les Ashman) cheered
them on and offered much-appreciated motivation at
times of struggle.
30 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk