A Wiltshire couple have helped raise money for Air Ambulance.
Nick and Gaynor Cole from Chippenham have successfully raised over £4,500 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, by completing a self-supported 301km bike ride around the county's boundary.
Starting from the charity's headquarters in Semington, the pair cycled towards Malmesbury, Avebury and Marlborough on the first day.
On the second day, they headed south towards Andover and Salisbury.
They finished the challenging three-day trip by making their way back to the airbase, with some parts of the course equivalent to climbing Mount Snowdon three times over.
Nick, a business photographer and Wiltshire Air Ambulance advocate said: "We knew that our training for the ride would help us, but nothing really prepares you for three solid days in the saddle, with over eight hours each day.
"The heat and crosswinds added another dimension to the challenge that is for sure."
Nick's wife, Gaynor, has worked at Spa Medical Centre in Melksham for over 23 years.
She said: "The air ambulance does such amazing work for those who live locally and in many cases is the difference between life and death.
"I hadn’t realised how remote parts of the county are and the air ambulance is a vital part of the emergency services."
The couple's initial goal was to raise £4,500, an amount reflective of the cost incurred to fund a single mission for the air ambulance.
Naomi Barker, corporate partnerships lead from Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: "When Nick mentioned the challenge to us, we thought it was such a great idea and really highlighted how big the county is and would help educate people how much it costs to fund the air ambulance, which is a charity and receives no government funding.
"We are eternally grateful to Nick and Gaynor raising such a high figure and taking themselves out of their comfort zone."
The Wiltshire Air Ambulance was launched in 1990 and has experienced many changes to its service throughout its existence.
It operates up to 19 hours a day, every day of the year, serving Wiltshire and Bath.
The charity needs to raise approximately £4.5 million annually to keep the life-saving service airborne.
For more information on Wiltshire Air Ambulance, visit their website.
Consequently, the couple's contribution has been greatly welcomed.
They are now taking a well-earned break, satisfied with the significant sum they have raised for charity.
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