MEMBERS of Whistlestop Motorcycle Club raised an incredible £4,355 for a lifesaving all-Wales Charity.
The club, from Denbighshire, is run by Peter Haybittle and has over 50 regular members who meet weekly. They have supported the Wales Air Ambulance since 2010.
Their support is much appreciated by the lifesaving Charity, which needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
With the club being part of the motorbike community, they know individuals that have needed the help of the Wales Air Ambulance and wanted to support the Charity.
Over the years the funds have been raised through Easter egg runs, Christmas toy runs, raffles and donations.
Spokesperson for Whistlestop Motorcycle Club, Peter Haybittle said: “I’m very proud of the amount of money that has been raised for the Wales Air Ambulance and other causes over the 27 years that the club has been running. Many people think bikers cause trouble, but that is not the case at all. Our members have always been very kind and are happy to support good causes, like Wales Air Ambulance.
“The Charity medics are often at the scene during serious motorbike accidents, they do a fantastic job. If it wasn’t for the Wales Air Ambulance giving expert treatment and flying critically unwell bikers to the right hospital, the outcome would be a lot worse. The Wales Air Ambulance is an excellent cause.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for north Wales, Debra Sima was delighted to recently meet the members at their weekly meeting place, Rhyl Rugby Club. She was presented with a £650 donation. Debra expressed her gratitude to the members on the importance of their fundraising efforts.
Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for north Wales, said: “A heartfel thank you to Whistlestop Motorcycle Club. The work they do for local causes is incredible. It was wonderful to meet the members, who are very passionate about raising funds.
“As bikers they know how important the service is to the people of Wales and how important it is to get the patient to the right hospital.
“Thank you for supporting our Charity over the last ten years, we really appreciate it. Your support will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”
Whistlestop Motorcycle Club has fundraised for many different charities over the years including St David’s Hospice and Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue.
