A group of Paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service are gearing up to cycle the length of the country to raise money for Charity, Pilgrim Bandits.
Dave Bentley (Hazardous Area Response Team Paramedic) and Neil Weaver (Wolverhampton Paramedic), together with the support crew of Neil Baars and Olly Ayles are undertaking the challenge to cycle from John O’Groats to Lands Ends in just seven days.
The mammoth cycle is set to take place in May and the team hope to raise as much money as possible for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity which supports injured armed forces members.
Talking about the challenge Dave said: “This charity is very close to my heart as it has helped my close friend, Ben Parkinson, who was severely injured during a tour of Afghanistan 2006, in which I served alongside him. We hope to raise as much money as possible to ensure the Charity can continue with their good work.”
The duo are currently training hard in preparation for the cycle ahead and as well as their day-to-day training, they will be taking part in a number of events, including the Run and Ride challenge over Cannock Chase this Sunday.
Bridgetown Cycles are helping to give the team a push start providing support in the way of spares, bike maintenance courses and servicing the bikes. Lynne Taylor from the shop, who holds the ladies record for the route, has also been providing the team with some top tips and plans on joining them for a leg of the cycle.
Fundraising efforts have already begun and most recently the cycling paramedics could be seen at ASDA in Cannock (Tuesday 21st January) along with Ben Parkinson and a number of work colleagues where they managed to raise £500.
Neil Weaver said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Everyone has been hugely generous and we are extremely grateful.”
The team’s progress can be followed on Facebook (999 Jogle May 2014) and also on Twitter (@jogledave).
How to donate
If you would like to make a donation towards the cause please visit www.justgiving.com/Dave-Bentley. Alternatively donations can also be made via text message, by sending DBLB85 followed by your donation e.g. £1 to 70070.
For more information about the charity, visit www.pilgrimbandits.org