Davey Wilson, technical director at Sloane Helicopters, began his epic 164-mile base-to-base bike ride on July 28, cycling from the National Children's Air Ambulance (NCAA) base in Gamston to the Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) base in Nottingham. The challenge consists of three stages, culminating at the NCAA base in Oxford, and is designed to raise funds for the charity's Big Bases Appeal.
The Challenge Details
The first leg covered 45 miles from Gamston to Nottingham. The second leg will take Wilson from Nottingham to the YLAA base in Coventry, a distance of 52 miles. The Coventry base is currently facing closure, which prompted the charity to launch the Big Bases Appeal. The final stage will see Wilson cycle 67 miles from Coventry to the other NCAA base in Oxford, completing the full 164-mile journey.
Sloane Helicopters has a long-standing relationship with The Air Ambulance Service, providing Agusta Westland 109 helicopters for YLAA and Agusta Westland 169 helicopters for NCAA, along with maintenance support and trained pilots since 1999.
Supporting the Big Bases Appeal
The Big Bases Appeal aims to build two brand-new, purpose-built operational bases for the charity. These facilities will ensure that The Air Ambulance Service can continue providing lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, and beyond, as well as specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children nationwide through the NCAA.
Davey Wilson, inspired after attending the Big Bases Appeal gala dinner, said: "Having attended the Big Bases Appeal gala dinner, I was moved by the testimonials during the evening, explaining the fantastic work the charity delivers, especially for those most in need, such as the children. I really had no choice but to offer my pain for others' gain."
Quotes of Support
Marsha Gold, capital appeal community stewardship executive for The Air Ambulance Service, expressed gratitude: "We would like to wish Davey the best of luck with his super-human challenge, and we are extremely grateful for his support for our lifesaving missions. With support just like this, our crew and helicopters will remain operational 24/7, 365 days a year, continuing to help save lives."
Wilson's effort highlights the critical role of the charity's two services: the National Children's Air Ambulance, which operates across England, Scotland, and Wales, and Your Local Air Ambulance, which provides rapid emergency care to five Midlands counties. The Big Bases Appeal aims to secure a sustainable future for both services.
