Four airborne traffic controllers embarked on an epic motorcycle journey spanning 3,500 miles to raise £55,000 for charities Aerobility and Prostate Cancer UK.
Undertaken by Wayne Clarke, Richard Fell, Shaun Bellairs-Wray, and Harvey McVicar, the tour took them to all 24 sites operated by NATS, a major air traffic service provider in the UK.
The adventure, aptly named 'The Big Tour: 24in2024,' began on April 14 in Aberdeen and concluded 17 days later at NATS' Hampshire headquarters.
By traversing from Aberdeen to Gibraltar, and Belfast to Stowmarket, the team aimed to generate awareness about Aerobility's goals to include disabled people in aviation, and prostate cancer.
Aerobility, a NATS corporate charity partner, helps disabled individuals learn to fly. Prostate Cancer UK, backed by the traffic controllers' trade union Prospect, has previously assisted a NATS colleague during his battle with the disease.
Support for the ride amplified when Triumph agreed to provide motorcycles, and organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, Bristow, and Brittany Ferries pledged their support.
As a commitment to sustainability, the team plans to offset the emissions from their ride by implementing carbon capture initiatives such as tree planting across NATS sites.
READ MORE:
The fundraising will continue into the year, and final totals will be announced at the Aerobility’s annual Aviators Ball in November, which NATS co-sponsors.
Mr Bellairs-Wray said: "It was really important to us to highlight these charities as they both save and improve lives.
"If one man gets a prostate test because of our ride, we’ll have succeeded. We’ve been truly humbled by everyone’s support and generosity, not to mention all the support from the airports, towers and military sites we’ve travelled to. It’s kept us all going during this demanding challenge."
Mike Miller-Smith, Aerobility CEO, said: "NATS and its employees have been great advocates over the years. I am delighted that the team conquered this challenge and helped us make a difference to the flyers we support each year."
Kathryn Leahy, NATS Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved and the inspiration they have given to so many with this challenge."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here