MORE than 410 people took part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel/100 cycling event on Sunday, raising vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA).

Cyclists included people airlifted by WAA, supporters and staff of the charity who completed a variety of routes – a 12 mile family challenge, 45 miles or 100 miles taking in Pewsey, Marlborough, the Wylye Valley and Salisbury – all starting and finishing at The Green, Devizes.

This was the second consecutive year that WAA has been involved with the event, organised by Bristol-based Bike Events.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s charity ambassadors Olympian Shelley Rudman, from the Pewsey Vale, and Lauren Booth, a champion para-cyclist from Chippenham, completed the 12 mile and 45 mile routes respectively.

Shelley did the ride with her partner Kristan Bromley, a four-time Olympian skeleton bobsleigh competitor, and their daughter Ella Rudman-Bromley.

She said: “We had a fantastic day doing the family bike ride.

"Myself, Kristan and Ella really enjoyed the whole event and the family atmosphere, and doing it for such a great cause was a bonus. I would really encourage people to do it, it was really well organised.”

Kenresa Stratford, fundraising co-ordinator at WAA, said: “We would like to thank everyone who cycled and raised sponsorship in the Wiltshire Big Wheel/100 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, the response has been fantastic!

"The funds raised will help to keep our helicopter flying and saving lives in and around Wiltshire.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance has an online team page where donations can be made. Go to www.justgiving.com/teams/WAAWBW100