WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance aircrew got sweaty in their flight suits and even full PPE on a virtual bike ride to raise more than £7,000 for lifesaving equipment.

Pilots and paramedics from the charity had planned on cycling 654 miles over the space of a week - the equivalent of pedalling to 10 local hospitals twice. In the end, they managed 1,191 miles.

Critical care paramedic and ground base manager Richard Miller says: “It’s been a great challenge for everyone in the aircrew to be part of and we’re absolutely delighted with the final outcome. Not only did we smash the target we set for the number of miles we wanted to cycle, the funds raised has also exceeded all expectations and we can’t thank everyone who has donated enough.

“We’ll now be able to purchase the portable blood and fluid warmers, along with all the associated accessories , to further enhance our service.”

The plan was to raise £5,182 to buy a MEQU °M warmer unit to ensure injured patients receive blood carried at the required temperature quickly.

Highlights from the virtual cycle challenge included critical care paramedic Sophie Holt completing 150 miles across the week, fellow paramedic Paul Rock getting his family involved in the challenge at home and the likes of chief pilot Matt Wilcock and CCP Craig Wilkins completing rides in their flight suits.

Critical care paramedic James Hubbard even managed to rack up some miles in a full PPE suit – hot and sweaty work indeed!

The charity’s trustee Mike Fellows registered 28 miles, while Wiltshire Air Ambulance ambassador Lauren Booth was cycling throughout the week. The British Champion Para-cyclist even managed 100 miles without stopping at the end of the challenge, raising an additional £776 for the funds.