Hundreds of motorcyclists from across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire are planning to take to the streets this September for their charity ride out.
The ‘Ride to Save Lives’ annual 62 mile biking event will take place on 3rd September and will be raising much needed funds for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA), Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service (LEBBS) and Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes (NBB).
Roland Johns, volunteer and joint organiser of the event, said: “This will be the 6th year of our charity ride-out and we hope to make it the biggest yet.
“Starting at Newark Showground, the circular route will make its way through some of the most glorious countryside and villages in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, where we will be greeted by supporters from each village we pass through.
“Supporters there will be holding their own events, whilst cheering and waving to the riders along the way – creating a real buzz of excitement.
“We all know that bikers and their families recognise the important role the LNAA plays for many different communities. The enhanced level of pre-hospital critical care delivered to patients at the scene, gives people with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter.
“And with the crews on call 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year, the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and pilots are there to help people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, involved in life-threatening incidents every single day.
“Together with rising costs, especially in the cost of fuel, the amount needed to keep this life-saving charity operational for this year is now set to top £10 million with each mission costing on average £4,000.”
The Emergency Blood Bikes Service (LEBBS and NBB) are run solely by volunteers and like the LNAA rely solely on public donations. They provide an out-of-hours courier service transporting essential medical items such as blood, pathology & microbiology specimens, medical notes, pharmaceutical products and donor breast milk between hospitals and healthcare facilities. This service is offered completely free of charge. They also take life saving blood and plasma to the LNAA every evening of the year.
Roland continued: “Whatever make and model of bike you ride, it is amazing to see so many bikers from all communities coming together for a fantastic event. It truly is a wonderful sight.”
Erica Ley, Senior Helicopter Emergency Services (HEMS) Paramedic at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, added: “We have helped so many bikers, and with that, they often recognise the importance of our service. Whilst we hope that they never have to see the inside of our helicopter, we want to be there for them if they do need us.
“As a Charity, we rely on the support from the public to do this, and our annual Ride to Save Lives is just one of the ways in which bikers can help to raise vital awareness and funds to keep our helicopter in the sky.”
It costs just £10 entry per bike and the Lincs & Notts Ride of Thanks is asking for a donation for any pillion riders. To sign up for the event, visit the Lincs & Notts Ride of Thanks Eventbrite page, or contact Roland on 07943 812324, or by email: roland5020@outlook.com
