Charity run through county for air ambulance

Motoring enthusiasts Richard Grant, 33, and James Firth, 30, will set off on a 50-mile run through the Sussex countryside on August 7.

Last year, the pair completed a whistlestop tour of Air Ambulance bases in the UK and raised £1,700 for the life-saving charity which relies almost entirely on public donations.

Richard said: “We decided we wanted to do another drive but wanted it to be a bit more fun with people joining in driving through the Sussex countryside.

“The reason we want to support the charity again is that we fully appreciate the good work that the service does.”

A Ferrari 355, Aston Martin, Triumph Roadster, classic Volkswagens, old Minis and a Morris Minor will be among the 150 cars taking part.

The cars will set off from Shoreham Airport along a route taking in villages including Cowfold, Warninglid, Cuckfield, Lindfield and Newick.

The drive will finish at the Lavender Line railway which has kindly agreed to make a donation from every train ride on the day to Sussex Air Ambulance. There will also be a BBQ and a raffle.

Richard, from Haywards Heath works for East Grinstead based Seraph ISS, part of the TCF Group dealing in the investigation of insurance claims and James, from Crawley, works for Service Insurance in Hove as a claims negotiator.

Sussex Air Ambulance provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for everyone living, working and travelling through the county, 365 days a year.

The helicopter carries a specialist doctor and critical care paramedic who can carry out advanced medical procedures at the scene, giving patients the best chance and quality of survival.

If you would like to join the charity drive for a minimum entry fee of £10 each please search on Facebook for “The Sussex Air Ambulance Charity Summer Drive” or call Richard on 07540 785042.