Bike ride aids Air Ambulance

Hastings-based Norsemen Motorcycle Club held the 90-mile ride in aid of the life-saving charity for the second year in a row.

Each rider who entered collected a playing card from five different stops in Rye, Bodiam, Burwash, Horam and the rally campsite at Catsfield.

The winner of the 2011 Poker Run with the best five-card poker hand was Neil Johnson from Gravesend with four Aces and a Queen.

The club has raised funds for a number of local charities since it was formed seven years ago.

President Kevin Martin said: “The Poker Run in 2011 was a huge success. The club chose Sussex Air Ambulance for the last couple of years because of their amazing work.

“It is an extremely worthy cause which relies almost entirely on donations and it was a privilege to help them.

“We wish the pilots, doctors and paramedics every success for the future and will continue to promote their invaluable work.”

Each call-out costs the emergency service an average of £2,500 so the sum raised by the Norsemen will help fund a potentially life-saving mission.

Sussex Air Ambulance Head of Fundraising Bridget Pepper said: “The helicopter is often called to road traffic collisions, many of them involving motorcyclists.

“We are so indebted to the biking community for their support and would like to thank the Norsemen for their fantastic fundraising efforts.”

If you would like to make a donation to the Air Ambulance call 01622 833833.

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to Sussex Air Ambulance and posted to Wheelbarrow Park Estate, Pattenden Lane, Marden, Kent, TN12 9QJ.