Thousands turn out for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s annual motorcycle run and fun day

 

It was full throttle ahead for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), when its annual Motorcycle Run and Harwich Fun Day took place on Sunday 10th September, attracting an estimated 4,000 people, and raising £25,000 so far for the life-saving charity.

Over 2,000 bikes took place in the motorcycle run, which was supported by EHAAT’s long-term partner, global logistics company, Woodland Group.

This year, for the first time, the run started from EHAAT’s airbase at North Weald Airfield, with Essex Police playing a vital role in its success, escorting riders and supervising the temporary closure of the joining routes, to ensure the safety of the public and all those involved. Leaving at 10am, riders travelled the 60-mile route, which took them along the A414, the A12, and the A120, before finally crossing the finish line at the Quay in Harwich, where they were greeted by local dignitaries, spectators and air ambulance crew, staff and supporters.

Radio Essex Host, Martin Day, who had led the convoy of riders to Harwich, then joined fellow presenter, Paul Jason, in co-hosting the Family Fun Day taking place on The Green, where there were games, exhibitors, refreshments and live music from local brands, Surfquake and the Vicounts. In total it is estimated that around 4,000 people took part in the day.

Emma Barker, Head of Income Generation at EHAAT, was delighted with the response from bikers and the general public who all turned out in force. She said, “This year we are celebrating 25 years of running our free life-saving emergency medical service, delivering advanced clinical care usually seen only in the hospital emergency department.”

“Bikers are a really key supporter group to us, partly because they are aware of how important the air ambulance service is. The event has once again proved to be a great day to get together with so many of the biking community; to thank them, and to raise awareness about the life-saving work we do as a charity.”

“The event has developed into a really special community day and is one of our key fundraising events of the year.”

As well as Woodland Group, this year’s event T-shirt sponsors included Colchester Kawasaki, Hythe Hill Motorcycles, Pass Bike, Brayleys and Templant.