THE Ilkley Cycling Club has donated £2,700 to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Every year, the Club hosts a mass-ride sportive event, the White Rose Classic which attracts 1000 riders to experience three routes through the Yorkshire Dales. This year, the Club designated the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as the event charity.

“We are an independent charity dependent on the goodwill of community organisations and others to keep our fleet in the air,” said Vickie Bowden, West Yorkshire Community Fundraiser at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. “We are called out, on average, four times a day. We cover a huge area and can make the difference between life and death for time-critical cases in remote locations. We are delighted that Ilkley Cycling Club has chosen to support our mission.”

The White Rose Classic brings riders from all over the country to participate in an organised and supported ride. The ride fee is used for all the activities to support during the event, as well as a contribution going to a designated charity.

For 2019, the White Rose Classic promises to be ‘longer, tougher and prettier’ allowing riders to experience some seldom ridden roads and encountering some of the hidden gems of the Yorkshire Dales.

“We choose to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance this year as part of our effort to actively ‘give back’ to the communities we enjoy riding through,” said Euan Mackay, Ilkley Cycling Club Chairman. “Although occasionally cyclists need their services, they are a literal lifeline for urgent care throughout the Yorkshire Dales. The Club is very proud to be able to make a substantial contribution to the Service.”