Beeline: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine, Spring 2016

how people help
Prizes are awarded annually to those who raise the most
in sponsorship in three different categories: Over 16,
Under 16 and Team.
Chris Norris, aged 66 from Evercreech, took part for
the second year running, completing the 54-mile route.
Chris’s son, Sam Norris, tragically lost his life in a road
traffic incident in 2009. Chris had taken part the previous
year to prove to himself that he could do it. However, in
2015 he wanted to try and raise as much in sponsorship
as possible. He encouraged his friends and family to
support him and raised a whopping £1,949.38.
Chris explained: “By far, the best bit is the feeling of
achievement when you cross the finish line knowing
that you have raised money for such a vital service. The
fish and chips at West Bay were definitely a highlight
too. The hardest part of the challenge for me was when I
started training. I seriously wondered if I would be able
to manage the hills, but I did.”
Amelia Fleming, aged 12 from Maiden Newton, cycled
the 11-mile route from Drimpton to West Bay. Her mum,
Rechenda, knew of a lady who was taken to hospital by
air ambulance after a riding accident, which was one
Above:, left to right: Chris Norris
(Over 16), Emilie Gordon and Charles
Richardson (Team o’ Tumblers), Amelia
Fleming (Under 16), Bill Sivewright
(DSAA Chief Executive Officer)
of the main reasons that they both took part. Amelia
set up a JustGiving page before sending an email to all
her friends and family asking for their support. Her
godfather who lives in London was particularly generous
and really kick-started her fundraising.
Rechenda commented on her daughter’s achievement
and said: “It was amazing. The finish line at West Bay was
full of supporters cheering and clapping, the atmosphere
was brilliant and we loved getting a medal and goodie
bag too! The 11-mile route was really not too difficult and
only took us an hour. Amelia raised £227.50, which we are
really proud of and we would definitely like to be involved
with other fundraising events for Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance in the future.”
Team o’ Tumblers once again came out in force. It’s
not hard to spot this group of hunting and equine
enthusiasts who take part as a team. Thirty-six members
who are totally united in supporting Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance wore branded shirts and challenged
themselves over the 54-mile route for the second year. In
total, they raised a staggering £19,601.90 and together
cycled a total of 1,994 miles!
Each member has their own reason for wanting to take
part and most have an incredible story to tell. United,
they cheer each other as each one crosses the finish
line, which creates an extra buzz in the already electric
atmosphere.
Spokesperson Rupert Rees said: “The camaraderie
between the team is great. The event enables the group
to do something different outside of our everyday lives
and raise money for a cause that is extremely close to
our hearts.
“Individually we set a target of raising £100 per
member, which seems quite a low ask. As you can see
by how much we raised last year, everyone far exceeded
that. This is because the cause is so important to us.
Many of us know someone who has needed the air
ambulance or indeed might need them in future. This is
our way of saying thanks and showing our support. It’s
a jolly good day out in aid of a charity that we love. It’s
just got to be done!”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 35