Rotarians support Midlands Air Ambulance

Borderland Rotary Club handed over the cheque as it prepares for this year's Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge - which takes place on Saturday, May 10.

Pip Machin, Shropshire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity joined the rotarians and gave a talk to launch the mountain bike challenge - and received the donation.

She went on to explain how the organisation is funded and said: “We are totally funded by donations from the public and organisations but do not get any government money so to receive regular donations from Borderland Rotary is really important to us."

The Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge has been held every year - apart from during the Covid-19 pandemic = for more than 30 years with the main beneficiary being Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Pip added: “Borderland has donated more than £40,000 over the years, an amazing amount, and thank you all, both present and past, for your great work.”

It was poignant that Tim Gray, the son of the first sponsor of the event, Brian Gray, was there for the evening and is still the main sponsor via his company, Dairi-Pak Ltd.

Tim went on to say: “I feel very proud and fortunate that I am in a position to keep this great sporting challenge going and I’m sure that my father Brian, who was such an enthusiast, is looking down with great pride."

To enter or donate to the mountain bike challenge visit www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org.