Five hundred kilometers in five days
One year after being airlifted from a major crash, Matthew Tooke cycles the Devon borders for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).
Over five days, 25-29 May 2013, Matthew Tooke will be cycling the entire borders of Devon for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT). This comes literally one year after he was airlifted from a terrifying road traffic accident.
While recovering in hospital Matthew vowed to help raise money for the team which helped him receive medical attention so quickly. Sian, his fiancée, suggested he used his love of cycling to help raise money for the Trust. Hence the creation of the 500 in 5 cycling challenge.
“I was incredibly lucky as the Devon Air Ambulance Trust came out to transport me as quickly as possible to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. This allowed me to get the best medical attention as soon as possible. I was in an induced coma for one week and had an operation to insert a titanium rod into my leg as I had broken my femur,” explained Matthew.
The 500km ride will start at the DAAT headquarters in Exeter. His journey then takes him to Plymouth, Bude, Simonsbath, Lyme Regis and finally back to Exeter. Matthew will be staying as close to the border as possible and has the support from Parkland Caravan and Camping Site in Kingsbridge for his first night’s accommodation.
During his ride Matthew will be accompanied by his best friend Chris, who is also cycling the full distance, and a support vehicle containing his parents and fiancée. Matthew hopes that other friends will be able to join him along his journey.
Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director for DAAT, offered good wishes from all at DAAT: “We would like to extend our very best wishes to Matt and Chris. It’s brilliant that just one year on from his accident, Matt is undertaking this challenge to raise funds for the Air Ambulance that helped him. Good luck from all at DAAT!”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Matt on the ride can donate on his Just Giving website: http://www.justgiving.com/mtooke500in5
