Blood bike volunteers from Plymouth gearing up to tackle the 21-mile Drakes Trail in aid of the Devon Freewheelers are appealing for help from businesses and sponsors.
Married Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers Anthony and Amy Ewens, and a group of more than 17 charity supporters, will on Sunday, April 17, walk the whole of Drakes Trail, from Tavistock to the Barbican, at Plymouth, setting off at 8am.
The couple are appealing for help transporting the walkers from the Mountbatten meet point to the Barbican walk start, donations of small water bottles, and event and tee-shirt sponsorship.
Entry to take part in the event is £5, and can be paid on the day, or in advance through the Devon Freewheelers website, quoting reference: Drakes Trail.
Submariner Anthony, aged 32, a Devon Freewheelers Blood Biker for two years, also serving the Plymouth area, said: “You never know when you might need the blood bike service.
“By coming along and taking part, every step will help keep the blood bikes on the road.”
The Royal Navy Field Gunner added: “As well as raising funds for the Devon Freewheelers, the walk aims to boost people’s mental health and wellbeing because you get to spend time outdoors and see the Drakes Trail and all its history and landmarks. Along the way you can download audio for all the routes.”
Amy, aged 28, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer blood car driver for almost two years in the Plymouth area, is appealing for help with transport, such as a minibus or coach, to pick walkers up from Mountbatten to take them to the Barbican ready to set off.
She said: I am looking forward to walking the trail and taking along our dog, Maddy, as well as exploring the area that we are active in as Devon Freewheelers volunteers.
“The plan is to walk along the whole trail and catch the last ferry back to Mountbatten.”
She added: “We would really like to hear from any companies or businesses willing to donate water bottles so we don’t have to carry five litres with us.”
Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “Anthony and Amy already do so much for the charity, giving up their time to volunteer and fundraise, so we are in awe of their latest challenge to help the keep blood bikes service on the road.
“We cannot operate without fundraising, and our volunteers, so we are indebted to our supporters. We call them our hidden heroes.
“I would like to thank Anthony and Amy for organising the Drakes Trail walk in aid of the charity, and for raising awareness of the Devon Freewheelers blood bike service, which supports the NHS for free across the South West.”
The walkers will meet at Mountbatten at 7am on Sunday, April 17, ready to leave at 7.15am for an 8am set-off.
The plan is to walk the whole 21-mile trail, with pit-stops along the way, arrive back at the Barbican, Plymouth, at 6pm, and catch the last ferry back to Mountbatten.
Last year the couple went head-to-head in a virtual challenge to walk from Land’s End to John o’ Groats for the Devon Freewheelers.
They competed against each other in LEJOG21, to travel a distance of 874-miles, raising £150 for the Devon Freewheelers.
- To sponsor the event, or help with transport or water, email info@devonfreewheelers.org.uk
- Anthony and Amy Ewens have organised the walk in aid of the Devon Freewheelers. Photo: Anthony and Amy Ewens.
