HUNDREDS of cyclists assembled at Watchet harbour on Sunday, May 15, to take part in the sixth annual Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle challenge.

Among them were former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand. Others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge to show their support for the life-saving charity, or as part of one of the 25 teams taking part, the largest of which numbered 38.

The event, which is not a race, saw a total of 539 cyclists turn out – 525 took part in the gruelling 54-mile ride to West Bay in Dorset and a further 14 completed the shorter 11-mile route, which began at Drimpton and also ended at West Bay.

Watchet Town Crier David Milton was on the starting line to motivate the cyclists, and crowds gathered at various points along the route, cheering and clapping as the cyclists rode past

Chris Priddle, of Minehead, Andrew Leach, of Weymouth, and Michael Walkey, of Bridport, were the first three cyclists to cross the finish line.

Chris, who works for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was my fourth year taking part raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The atmosphere at the start is fantastic and the route is simply brilliant.”

The first woman to cross the finish line was Rosalind Willicombe, and first of the under 16s to arrive was 15-year-old Jack Courtney who took three hours and ten minutes to cycle the 54-mile route.

At 78, Brian Pursall was the oldest participant of the day and cycled the full 54 miles. he youngest cyclists were Eva Ellis, Freddie Griffiths and Olivia Reid, all aged ten, who completed the 11-mile route.

One cyclist with first-hand experience of the air ambulance was Brian Ramsay, who took part with his two brothers, Derek and Keith: “In 2009, following a mountain bike accident on the Quantock Hills, I was airlifted to Musgrove Park Hospital,” he said.

“I suffered a couple of broken vertebrae in my neck and due to my location; the land ambulance couldn’t reach me. Thanks to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s fast response I fully recovered, so after seven years I decided it was time to repay the debt and raise some money.”

Air ambulance medical lead Dr Phil Hyde cycled the 11-mile route with his wife Hannah and their children George, three, and Emily, five, on a tandem bike with a tag-along and a front seat.

And the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was also represented in the 54-mile ride – by chairman of trustees Roger Morgan, pilot Phil Merrit and CEO Bill Sivewright.

Bill said: “The reasons why people enter the event are many and varied and I must say that completion is often such a relief for riders, families and friends that the finish line can be quite an emotional place to be.”

Last year’s C2C raised over £64,000. Prizes of bikes will be awarded to the adult, under 16 and team who raised the most in sponsorship after the closing date, August 1.