Exeter students raise funds for St John Ambulance bikes

A group of 20 students from Exeter University will this weekend undertake an 80-mile bike ride from the cathedral city to Bristol to help raise funds to buy two bicycles to allow the Devon branch of St John Ambulance to set up a cycle response unit.

Fifteen of the students taking part in the bike ride are members of LINKS, the Exeter University division of St John’s Ambulance, and the aim is to raise £2,500 by pedalling from the charity’s headquarters for Devon to those in Bristol this Saturday.

A spokesperson for St John Ambulance told the website This Is The West Country: “Cycle Responders are a valuable addition to the St John Ambulance team of first aiders who usually operate in ambulances or on foot.

“The riders can tackle special duties including those where isolated locations would make it hard for land ambulances to reach casualties or they can also reach other first aid emergencies at events quicker than volunteers on foot.

The spokesperson continued, “The customised mountain bikes have the necessary suspension, gearing and tyres needed for the riders to operate comfortably and safely throughout their duty.

“Medical gases are carried in panniers on the bikes along with an Automated External Defibrillator, minor treatment kits, information leaflets for specific injuries and further advice, neck braces, slings and other vital equipment that would normally be carried by a first response vehicle.”

According to the Exeter LINKS page on the charity website Just Giving, the team are already almost two thirds of the way towards achieving their target, ad if youwould like to donate, you can do so here.