HARLOW cycling enthusiast Dan Ricketts is set to take on a new challenge to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance after they saved the lives of two friends who were involved in a serious car crash in November 2022.

Last summer Dan supported Harlow Rugby Club’s Bullies 10s by raising money for the RNLI and rode 180 miles around Hertfordshire to visit every rugby club in the county. This year he has decided to take on an even bigger challenge.

“The Great British Escapade” is a 4-day adventure cycling event around the south of England from June 1st to 4th. It covers a route of over 300 miles around the North and South Downs crossing Kent, Sussex and Hampshire on a long and very hilly route over roads, bridleways, tracks and everything in between. Dan will be carrying all the things needed to complete the route inside the 3 days and 2 hours time limit – including eating, sleeping, and fixing any bike issues!

“When I heard the terrible news about my friends and the work of the Air Ambulance, I knew I wanted to support them to show my thanks. From where I live in Potter Street, I often see the air ambulance flying over and I am always so grateful that they exist. Who knows when any one of us might need them? I was stunned to find out it costs over £750,000 a month to keep them operational and they receive very little government funding, relying mainly on fundraising for their work!”

Whilst some of the other competitors will be trying to ride almost non-stop, this is the first time Dan has attempted to cover such a long distance in this short amount of time. “Last year I did a 3 day ride that covered 180 miles but this is a serious step up in difficulty. I could be on the bike for 12 hours a day and climb more than the equivalent of Ben Nevis every day! For me this is a race against the clock, the weather and most of all a battle with that little voice in my head telling me to stop!”

Dan would be delighted if you can donate to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance via his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/gbe4ehaat and more information about the event can be found at www.greatbritishescapades.com. There will also be a stall at the Potter Street Fete on May 28th 2023 where you’ll be able to learn more about the work of the Air Ambulance Trust and enter Dan’s “Guess the Weight of the Bike” competition!