Bikers head out on charity biking trek
The 'Chilly Willy' has raised £1000s to fund air ambulance resources
Supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, the annual event has taken place for over a decade.
Bikers will set off on their route in a loop from Northampton Active, up Bedford Road to Olney and back again.
Since the Chilly Willy ride out began in 2013, the dedicated group of motorcyclists have managed to raise an incredible £35,958 to support the charity’s lifesaving missions.
British motorcycle legend Steve Parrish will also be in attendance at the event in 2025 today, Sunday January 12th, following a successful day again held back in 2024.
Service volunteers say as much as £2,300 is needed for each air ambulance rescue mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.
Paul Nicholls, Organiser of Chilly Willy, says:
“We have been supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance for the last eleven years to ensure they can continue to provide pre-hospital critical care to those who need it most.
“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. They can get to the location within minutes, flying at around 185mph and are able to give people the best chance of survival and recovery."
Community Fundraising Executive, Karen Hughes added:
“We would like to thank Paul, everyone involved as well as everyone who has taken part in the Chilly Willy ride out over the years. Without support like this our lifesaving missions in Northamptonshire and further afield wouldn’t be possible.
“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.”