Air traffic controllers on their bikes for charity

A TEAM of four air traffic controllers will visit Cardiff Airport tomorrow as part of The Big Tour: 24 in 24 motorcycle challenge.

It is part of a charity challenge that will see them travel from Aberdeen to Gibraltar to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and Aerobility.

They will cover 3,200 miles over 17 days, visiting all 24 sites operated by NATS (National Air Traffic Services) along the way.

The riders will tomorrow be visiting Cardiff Airport, RAF St Athan and Aberporth Range on the fourth leg of their challenge.

Triumph UK has agreed to supply the motorbikes via the 007 Stunt Team.

Many other companies and teams have also provided support or sponsorship, including Krazy Horse Motorcycle Showroom, the National Motorcycling Museum and the MoD.

Prostate Cancer UK is a charity of great significance to the team, as a former NATS colleague passed away from the condition in May 2023.

The team wants to raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to request a PSA check.

Aerobility is a corporate charity partner of NATS that offers disabled people the opportunity to fly an aeroplane, supporting as many terminally ill and disabled people as possible every year.

After the final day of riding on April 30, the team will be holding a tree planting event in Hampshire to help offset their emissions and complete the challenge.

So far, since starting on April 14, they have travelled through Aberdeen, Glasgow, Prestwick, Belfast, Woodvale, Manchester, Barkston Heath, Wattisham, Stansted and Luton, and are due to visit Gatwick, Heathrow and Farnborough today.

Following tomorrow’s Welsh leg of their trip, they will be visiting Bristol Airport and Southampton Airport, Swanwick Centre, Gibraltar Airport, Netheravon Airfield, Middle Wallop Airfield, and NATS Corporate HQ, Whiteley.

To find out more or to donate, visit www.24in24.co.uk.