A MOUNTAIN biker will be giving something back when he takes part in a challenge near Oswestry next month.
John Denny is one of the dozens of cyclists who will be taking part in the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge which takes place in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains on Saturday, May 7.
But he also has an important reason to take part in the fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance after it came to his rescue last year.
On September 18, 2021, John had a bad fall while in the hills.
He said: "If it wasn’t for my mate's quick thinking, mountain rescue and air ambulance, I think I’d still be on that mountain.
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"I never thought I’d crash that badly, none of us do, but when it happens, we realise the value of these volunteers who so expertly patch us up before flying us to the nearest trauma unit.
"We are so lucky to have these services but they need funding, so that when the worst happens, they’re there.
"Unfortunately, I never got to thank the crew but I’m back riding now and hopefully by raising money in the Borderland, it will be a small thank you."
The event, which begins at 10am, is being organised by the Borderland Rotary Club which is based in Midlands.
Chris Bryan-Smith, from the club, said: "We often look up to see the red air ambulance helicopters overhead but how many of us spare a further thought for how they operate and how they are funded?
"If you’re lying hurt or seriously ill and you need to get help fast, someone will call the air ambulance and they’ll be there in no time to give immediate support and get you to the most suitable hospital where treatment can continue."
Midlands Air Ambulance operates three helicopters and two critical care cars serving the communities of six Midlands counties, making it the largest air ambulance operating region of the UK.
Since 1991, the charity has responded to more than 66,000 missions, but it costs more than £10 million-a-year to maintain.
To sign up to this year's Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge, visit www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org and use this link.
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