Sponsors for Cycle Cuba needed

Team KAAT Cycle Cuba at their recent training ride in the hills near Wye between Ashford and Canterbury

The crew and staff of Kent Air Ambulance have launched an appeal for local businesses to sponsor them on their first-ever fundraising challenge.

A team of 35 cyclists will be taking part in a 350km ride on the Caribbean island of Cuba on the 14 – 22 November 2010.

Cycle Cuba has been organised as part of the charity’s 20th anniversary celebrations and the group are aiming to raise thousands of pounds to help keep the helicopter flying.

Business and other organisations are urgently being asked to fund special Cycle Cuba T-shirts for all the riders at a cost of £30 each – a total of £1,050.

Sponsors will have their logos emblazoned across the front and back of the T-shirts.

Dr Amy Hughes has recently joined Team KAAT (Kent Air Ambulance Trust) which includes pilot Kevin Goddard and paramedics Dave Marshall and Gary Balderston.

The helicopters crew will be joined by the Head of Charity Services, Beverley Thorne, Senior Fundraiser Lynn Hyder, Talks Coordinator, Caroline Cooper, two volunteers and former patient Daniel Jeys, who was rescued by the helicopter following a mountain bike accident two years ago.

The team has been training hard for the grueling ride and earlier this month, went on a 32-mile training ride in the hills near Wye between Ashford and Canterbury.

During their five-day ride around Cuba the team will encounter challenging terrains ranging from busy city centres to mountainous roads and national parks.

To find out more about sponsoring Cycle Cuba call Lynn Hyder on 01622 833833.