Hundreds of bikers set for charity ride out

Motorcycle legend Steve Parrish is due to officially start the ride out from Northampton Active at 12:00 GMT on Sunday

Hundreds of bikers are set to join the 11th charity ride out for a county's air ambulance.

The annual Chilly Willy charity ride, due to be held on Sunday, will see participants making their way from Northampton to Bedford and back.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) said its lifesaving missions "would not be possible without support like this".

The event has raised almost £36,000 since its inception and more than 800 riders took part in last year's event.

More than 800 bikers took part in the 2024 event

The route will see the bikers depart Northampton Active in Bedford Road at 12:00 GMT and head out on the A428 towards Bromham in Bedfordshire, before following a loop to Olney and returning to Northampton.

Paul Nicholls, organiser of the Chilly Willy ride, said that "every penny" raised would go support the work of the air ambulance, such as for "pre-hospital critical care".

"Being a motorcycle rider as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, wild camping, and mountain biking, I know how important the WNAA crew are when we're in remote locations," he said.

"They can get to the location within minutes, flying at around 185mph (298km/h) and are able to give people the best chance of survival and recovery."

The event has raised tens of thousands for charity since its inception

Karen Hughes from WNAA said the charity was grateful for the support of everyone taking part.

"We receive no government or National Lottery funding for our vital missions and rely entirely on donations from people within the local community to keep our charity saving lives," she explained.