The cyclists and support team that took part in the Pink Link Pedal For Pounds 4 (P4P4) 'Tour of Yorkshire' descended upon Canalside on Thursday evening (25th July) to celebrate their achievements.
The reunion for everyone involved in the four day fundraising bike ride was also attended by a very special guest – the Yorkshire Air Ambulances's G-SASH helicopter, which landed on the pitches at Town's training ground at 7.45pm. Aboard G-SASH were the YAA's Chief Pilot Steve Cobb, alongside Doctor Jez Pinnell and Aircrew Paramedic John Baxter, the latter two who were cyclists in the 240 miles bike ride.
The cyclists, grouped together in their teams from the ride, were invied to take photos alongside the helicopter, which had made the special journey from Leeds Bradford Airport to greet the 'Keep It Up' campaign fundraisers.
The event them moved inside into Canalside's Radcliffe Suite, where presentations were made to the team leaders, sponsors and support teams; each received with a photo memento for the ride. Chairman Dean Hoyle and Commercial Director Sean Jarvis delivered speeches, reminiscing on their best and worst memories from the Tour of Yorkshire bike ride, which raised funds for both the YAA charity and the Huddersfield Town Academy. The YAA's Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland then gave thanks from the charity, which now needs to raise £9,990 per day to keep it's two lifesaving helicopters maintained and in the air.
Huddersfield Town's Commercial Director Sean Jarvis commented: "It was fantastic to see so many people at Canalside on Thursday night for the Pedal for Pounds 4 reunion. I believe it is a testament to the camaraderie that is built during the ride that so many people attended.
I was very proud to be a part of the four day bike ride and I hope every cyclist, member of the support team and person that has donated even a penny to the 'Keep It Up' campaign is equally as proud of the difference we are making across our region.
It was a brilliant touch from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance that the helicopter came down on the evening. Sadly we've seen several high profile examples of just how important a service the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is across the country recently, which brings home just how important the 'Keep It Up' campaign is."
With a £1 million target already announced for the 'Keep It Up' campaign, full details of the amount raised so far will be given on Yorkshire Day; Thursday 1st August.
