A life-saving charity has praised the efforts of former patients, their families and other community members who have collectively raised over £40,000 in an annual cycling event.

For the 13th year running, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, held its Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge on Saturday, May 18.

Hundreds of cyclists took part either completing the challenging 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset, or a shorter 11-mile route which started at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton.

Dorset Echo: Start of Coast to Coast at Watchet 2024Start of Coast to Coast at Watchet 2024 (Image: Supplied)

Many participants were former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand while others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.

Members of the public lined the roads in support, cheering and clapping the cyclists as they set off, at the various pit stops along the route and at the finish line celebrations.

Dorset Echo: The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge was held on Saturday, May 18The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge was held on Saturday, May 18 (Image: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance)

Alan Harris, 80, from Weymouth was the joint oldest participant to have completed the cycle along with John Plested from Yeovil, while 11-year-old Isabel Swancutt from Bridport was the youngest. 

Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising events officer, said: “What an incredible day we had at our annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, everyone who took part should be so proud of what they have achieved.

Dorset Echo: Alan Harris from Weymouth was the joint oldest to have completed the 55-mile challenge at eighty years old, while 11-year-old Isabel Swancutt from Bridport was the youngest. Alan Harris from Weymouth was the joint oldest to have completed the 55-mile challenge at eighty years old, while 11-year-old Isabel Swancutt from Bridport was the youngest.  (Image: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance)

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the cyclists and to everyone who helped to organise the event, including our incredible volunteers and wonderful supporters. Over £46,000 has already been raised for this year’s event which is incredible!

 “Each life-saving mission that our crew are tasked to costs approximately £3,500, so we are immensely grateful to everyone for raising vital funds for our charity, so our crew can be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future.”

The charity's next fundraising event will be the 5K Twilight Shift which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, July 6.

People can either run or walk the 5km run or walk and online registration is open on the charity's website:  www.dsairambulance.org.uk/5k-twilight-shift