Mansfield dad pedals 1,000km to help keep lifesaving service flying

Shaun Cantrell, 35, is taking on Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance’s (LNAA) 100km Base to Base Challenge – only he has decided to ride ten times the required distance in an effort to raise more cash.

The challenge, which takes place between September 1 and 30, urges participants to walk, cycle or run 100km during the course of the month. This is the average distance travelled by a helicopter when dealing with an emergency.

Shaun said: “I deliver emergency blood to LNAA on a regular basis. Because of this, I am aware of how much effort is required to keep the air ambulance on standby and ready to respond.

"The ambucopter and its amazing crew travel approximately 100km to reach a patient, transport them to hospital and then travel back to their base.

"On average they are scrambled three times a day, so I am aiming to complete the challenge not once or twice but ten times throughout the month!”

Shaun has already raised more than £400 through a JustGiving page and is hoping to hit a £1,000 target by the end of the month.

He said: “As a biker I couldn’t think of a more valuable cause to help raise funds for.

"With the pandemic, they haven’t been able to hold many fundraising events and I think it’s really important to do something to help.”

Shaun, who recently became a father to firstborn George Trevor Cantrell, said having a baby has inspired him.

He said: “Having a child has given me a boost to raise the money needed to keep the air ambulance going. You just never know when you’re going to need them.”

You can sponsor Shaun as he takes part in his epic cycle challenge by going online to justgiving.com/fundraising/Shaun-Cantrell.