The huntsman of the Hampshire Hunt is to cycle the length of the UK to raise money for Air Ambulance.
Will Hudson is swapping his ratcatcher for a lycra all in one as he gets in training to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise funds for the Hampshire and I.O.W Air Ambulance and the HH.
Will sets off on 12 May, accompanied by his incredibly fit 60-year-old father. They aim to complete the grueling 1,025-mile bike ride in 10 days. His father did the same ride two years ago and has mapped out the route.
The day before he sets off Will is parading his beloved HH hounds at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
“Knowing my luck I’ll be bucked off,” he joked.
All the blisters will be worth it when he hands over the cheques. The money raised will be divided between the Hampshire & I.O.W Air Ambulance — which needs £65,000 a month to keep going — and the hunt. The air ambulance service relies totally on voluntary donations and fulfills a vital life-saving role.
“There is nobody in Hampshire that can hold up their hand and say they will not need the air ambulance service at some stage, especially the hunting crowd,” says Will.
He is taking his fortnight’s leave to complete the marathon ride. “This is my summer holiday – what a way to spend it!” he admits. “I have never been abroad, and this will be the furthest I have ever travelled and it will be on a bloody bike!”
To sponsor Will, please forward cheques, made payable to Will Hudson, to: Tony Maxse, Homestead Farm, Galley Hill, Selborne, Alton, GU34 3LN.
