Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock,
started Basildon Rotary Club’s annual bike ride this Sunday.
Over 200
cyclists paid £15 to take part in 20, 40, or 70 mile rides to raise money for
Essex Air Ambulance and other rotary charities including Young Carers and
Women’s aid. Over £3,000 was raised from entrants alone with sponsorship
money still to come in.
Essex Air Ambulance, unlike NHS emergency services, is a charity
providing a free life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for people in
Essex. Their total monthly running costs are approximately £250,000 making
fundraising events such as this vital for their continuing work.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “I was delighted to have been asked to
start the Basildon Rotary Club’s 6th annual bike ride. It was so
encouraging to see such a strong turn out and I am delighted that so much money
has been raised for Essex Air Ambulance and other causes in the local area.”
All riders enjoyed the event and have said they would ride again
so the Rotary Club are already busy sorting out next year’s event. The Basildon
Rotary Club organise other events and projects throughout the year supporting a
variety of important causes both in the local area and overseas.
Mr Metcalfe added: “I would like to thank all those at the Rotary
Club who worked so hard to bring this event to life and for their continued
dedication to local causes. I look forward to supporting them in the future and
hope that local charities will continue to benefit from their hard work for
many more years to come.”
