800 bikers start their engines for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Bikers took on a 60 mile ride from Welwyn Garden City to the Charity’s North Weald Family Fun Day – all to raise operational funds for the Air Ambulance.

Accompanied by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers, 800 bikers set out from Police HQ in Welwyn Garden City yesterday morning, meaning the event Run has doubled in size from 2016.

At the finish line, they were greeted by 1,200 attendees at the North Weald Family Fun Day. As well as a sponsored Ambulance Pull by two female EEAST Paramedics, the 3000 attendees were treated to stunning displays from 2Bros Stunt Team and Essex MotoGymkhana. Live music was courtesy of Missing Cat, Honest John and Just for Kicks, and there was an inflatable zone for children to enjoy in the sunshine.

At first count, the event has raised over £10,000, with more sponsorship money expected over the course of the next few weeks. With each mission for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance costing approximately £2,700, this single event may have funded a further 5 missions for the Charity, which averages 1,000 missions every year.

Jen Wall, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Events and Volunteer Manager, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the attendance at this year’s Motorcycle Run and North Weald Family Fun Day! The event has doubled in size since last year, and we hope this community of bikers will be able to continue to grow. We can’t wait to welcome even more people to Police HQ and North Weald Airfield in 2018. A huge thank you goes out to the Herts Constabulary, who made sure our riders were safe on the day, the brilliant Sarah Ford and Emma-Louise Bowing-Hilson, who put on an incredible show with the sponsored Ambulance Pull, and to our bands and suppliers. Events like these wouldn’t be possible without our headline sponsors, Woodland Group and Palmers – better known as Hertfordshire Triumph, and we are incredibly thankful for their support.”

The pre-registration prize of £500 worth of motorcycle kit was sponsored by Devitt Insurance. Bikers had a chance to purchase Motorcycle Run t-shirts on the day, with all proceeds going to the Charity, which would not have been possible without the Charity’s headline sponsors and additional contributors Sorry Mate, Lloyd Cooper Motorcycles, Lind Motoradd, Moors Motorcycles and Just Wheel Repair.

Yesterday’s event also saw the launch of the Charity’s upcoming Ford Dunton to Harwich Motorcycle Run and Harwich Family Fun Day, which will take place on 10th September 2017, and raised over £48,000 for the Charity last year. This Motorcycle Run will be £7 for a single rider, or £13 with pillion. At the end of the Run, the Harwich Family Fun Day is free to attend and boasts a variety of entertainment – including a helicopter simulator, live music and games – as well as a variety of food and refreshments.

Pre-registration for the Ford Dunton to Harwich Run will close on Sunday 3rd September 2017.