Ten members of the Asda Tech team, headquartered at Asda House in Leeds, have completed the Coast-to-Coast charity cycle challenge spanning 200km over two days, raising over £6500 in donations for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).
The decision to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance wasn’t just ASDA’s commitment to social responsibility; for one member of the group, it held a personal significance. In memory of his late friend Ian Stewart, he undertook the challenge as a heartfelt tribute, honouring Ian’s legacy and contributing to the crucial efforts of the charity that attempted to save his life.
Ian, an avid and experienced motorcyclist, tragically lost his life in an accident near Sherburn-in-Elmet while on his way to Squires Café in 2018. Despite his extensive experience, a collision with a car at 50mph caused Ian’s motorcycle to skid over a verge and collide with a tree.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Team provided vital medical assistance in an attempt to save Ian’s life, before flying to Leeds General Infirmary, a major trauma centre, 20 minutes from where the accident occurred.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of those on-scene and at the hospital, Ian’s condition couldn’t be reversed, and the decision was made to cease life support. It was thanks to the quick response from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance that his wife Fiona and their two children had the chance to say goodbye at his bedside.
The challenge, which is set along a 200km route took the cyclists through the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, traversing the North Pennines and following the historic fringes of Hadrian’s Wall before culminating at Whitley Bay on the North Sea coast.
Helen Berriman, West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for YAA, recently met with the team to delve deeper into their cycling challenge. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for their contribution, saying, “We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone in the ASDA Tech team who participated in the Coast-to-Coast challenge and raised a remarkable sum for our service, all while honouring Ian’s memory. It’s truly commendable. This generous donation will play a significant role in enabling Yorkshire Air Ambulance to continue its life-saving missions across the region.“
