Portsmouth News

Motorcyle challenge is roaring success

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event T-shirts to reduce their carbon footprint.

By taking part in the challenge you will be helping Naomi House & Jacksplace be there for local children, young adults and their families on the good days, difficult days and last days.

Charlotte Patrick, events team leader at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “We are so excited to be back with our Clarendon Way Walk. It is such a great day, and we are always blown away by the dedication from our supporters to push themselves with their walk and fundraisin­g.

“This is our biggest event of the year and the money raised helps us to provide outstandin­g nursing care for seriously ill children and young adults. Don’t miss your chance to make every step count and sign up today!”

The event is suitable for all abilities and ages from five upwards. Register at naomihouse.org.uk/walk.

Four air traffic controller­s from NATS, the UK’S major provider of air traffic services, are back on the ground after a full-throttle fundraisin­g challenge for Aerobility and Prostate Cancer UK.

Their epic motorcycle ride, The Big Tour: 24in2024, took them 3,500 miles visiting all 24 Natsoperat­ed sites, from Aberdeen to Gibraltar and from Belfast to Stowmarket, spending 17 days on the road.

Wayne Clarke, Richard Fell, Shaun Bellairs-wray and Harvey Mcvicar set off from Aberdeen Airport on April 14 and arrived back at NATS’ headquarte­rs in Whiteley last Tuesday. Their trip has already raised a massive £55,000.

The two charities are of particular significan­ce to the motorcycle team. Aerobility is one of NATS’ corporate charity partners, giving disabled people the opportunit­y to learn to fly; and Prostate Cancer UK, supported by the ATCOS’ trade union, Prospect, helped a NATS colleague and close friend when he fell ill.

The Big Tour set out to spread the word about Aerobility’s inclusion ambitions for disabled people in aviation alongside raising awareness of prostate cancer, its symptoms and how to receive screening. Support gained momentum when Triumph agreed to loan motorcycle­s, and organisati­ons including the Ministry of Defence, Bristow and Brittany Ferries pledged their support, too.

“It was really important to us to highlight these charities as they both save and improve lives,” said Shaun. “If one man gets a prostate test because of our ride, we’ll have succeeded.

“We’ve been truly humbled by everyone’s support and generosity, not to mention all the support from the airports, towers and military sites we’ve travelled to.”

Mike Miller-smith, Aerobility CEO, said: “NATS and its employees have been great advocates over the years. I am delighted that the team conquered this challenge and helped us make a difference to the flyers we support each year.”

Kathryn Leahy, NATS’ chief operations officer, said: “We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved and the inspiratio­n they have given to so many with this challenge.”

The team will offset the ride’s emissions, engaging in carbon capturing green initiative­s including tree planting across NATS’ sites. They will continue to fundraise throughout the year, with final totals being announced at Aerobility’s annual event in November, the Aviators Ball, which NATS co-sponsors.

NATS

 ?? ?? Six participan­ts in last year’s Clarendon Way Walk
Picture: Jon Bolton
Six participan­ts in last year’s Clarendon Way Walk Picture: Jon Bolton
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