Hundreds of cyclists got on their bikes and took part in Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's 11th annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge.

On Sunday, they completed either the 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset to Wets Bay or a shorter 11-mile route from the Royal Oak pub in Drimpton, also finishing in West Bay.

The weather provided an additional challenge this year, however, it did not dampen the mood. Once again, the public came out to show their support at the start, the various pit stops along the route and the finish line celebrations at West Bay.

Those who took part included former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first hand, others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team. There were so may inspirational stories of courage, determination and triumph on the day.

Although the event is not a race, the first male to cross the finish line was Paul Branfield from Bridgwater and the first female was Anna Boden from Bridport.

At 79 years young, Ed Highnam from Marnhull was the oldest participant completing the 55-mile route. Ed is also a long-serving volunteer for the charity and was beaming as he crossed the finish line. Charlie Bradshaw and George Hyde - both aged nine - were the youngest to individually complete the 11-mile route from Drimpton to West Bay. The youngest participant to complete the 55-mile route was 11-year-old Henry Thomson.

Stuart Willmore from Bridport had completed the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge four times previously. In November 2019, he suffered a bad accident when he fell off a roof, breaking his back and suffering severe head injuries. Stuart was taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment and has subsequently recovered well. 

Incredibly, he took part in the 55-mile cycle challenge on his hand bike and said: "My accident left me with a complete spinal cord injury, but I have recovered well and managed to get back out riding again, albeit on three wheels rather than two.

"I cycled in a group of four people, raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Wings for Life [a non-profit charity for spinal research]."

Steve Staple from Weymouth suffered a cardiac arrest whilst out riding his bike; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance helped to save his life.

"After completing the challenge and already raising £1,450 in aid of the charity, Steve said: "It was certainly a challenge. At the end, a friend who does lots of triathlons said that due to the weather and the head winds, it's one of the hardest rides he has done, so I think I must have done ok.

"From the last pit stop at Drimpton, I got my second wind and knew I was not far from the finish. I felt a big achievement when I finished and I am really chuffed to have raised a good amount for this amazing charity."

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer, praised the efforts of the cyclists and all those that were involved in the organisation of the day.

"Despite the best efforts of weather to put us off, our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge enjoyed a very successful 11th birthday.," he said. 

"The buzz of eager anticipation at Watchet was fantastic and it was great to see so many familiar faces from previous years alongside those who were taking part for the first time.

"I must say that the very heavy rain in the early afternoon presented a physical and mental challenge to even the hardiest of cyclists. I take my hat off to every single rider and at the finish line in West Bay, it had clearly tested everyone. However, it was inspiring to see so many who had pushed themselves way beyond their comfort zone to triumph in the end. 

"Of course, it is when things do not go exactly to plan that the organisers are truly put to the test. I am very proud to say that our team of staff, crew and volunteers who, having spent months planning for various contingencies, really stepped up to support the riders in reaching their goal."