A MAN who suffered a triple cardiac arrest last year is taking part in a 55 mile cycle fundraiser this weekend.

Steve Staple will be one of many cyclists fundraising for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

On Sunday, May 15, he and others will take part in the Air Ambulance’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge to raise all important funds.

The popular event sees participants tackle one of two routes: There’s a 55-miler that starts at Watchet Harbour, in Somerset and finishes at West Bay or a shorter 11-mile route that starts in Drimpton and also finishes at West Bay.

Mr Staple was out on a routine bike ride in Weymouth last February when, towards the end of the ride, he suffered a cardiac arrest. This resulted in him falling backwards off his back and becoming unconscious: approximately ten minutes later the Weymouth ambulance crew arrived and the air ambulance transferred him to Southampton.

Mr Staple spent 19 days in the hospital - unconscious for five days and spending 12 days in intensive care. Now, less than 18 months later, he’s back on his bike and raising much needed funds for the service whose swift response saved his life.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said: “We cannot wait for our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge this year. My husband is cycling the route for the first time and I know he is excited and terrified in equal measure.

"The best part, for me, is seeing the beaming faces of the cyclists as they approach the finish line having completed the challenge. Subject to operational commitments on the day, our critical care team and helicopter ‘Peggy’ will hopefully make an appearance, encouraging the cyclists on their way.”

The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is renowned for being an emotional and inspiring day for everyone involved. That’s no surprise, given the fact that the cyclists include patients who have experienced the work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance first-hand or are cycling in memory of loved ones.

If you would like to donate to support the event visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/c2c/donate