Northamptonshire ‘ride out’ set to raise funds for the eleventh year in a row to support local charity

Northamptonshire motorcycle riders will be raising funds to support the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) for the eleventh year in a row.

The eleventh annual Chilly Willy ride out is set to take place on 12 January 2025 at 12 noon when bikers will set off on their route in a loop from Northampton Active, up Bedford Road to Olney and back again.

Since the Chilly Willy ride out began in 2013, the dedicated group of motorcyclists have managed to raise an incredible £35,958 to support the charity’s lifesaving missions across Northamptonshire and further afield.

In 2024 an amazing eight hundred plus took part in the annual event and again in 2025 refreshments and charity merchandise will be available for anyone attending. British motorcycle legend Steve Parrish will also be in attendance at the event.

Within minutes, WNAA’s critical care crews can be on the ground delivering pre-hospital emergency care and giving patients the very best chance of survival – this vital service relies entirely on donations to raise the £2,300 needed for each rescue mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.

“We have been supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance for the last eleven years to ensure they can continue to provide pre-hospital critical care to those who need it most,” said Paul Nicholls, Organiser of Chilly Willy.

“Being a motorcycle rider as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, wild camping, and mountain biking, I know how important the WNAA crew are when we’re in remote locations. They can get to the location within minutes, flying at around 185mph and are able to give people the best chance of survival and recovery,” he added.

Community Fundraising Executive for Northamptonshire, Karen Hughes said:

“We would like to thank Paul, everyone involved as well as everyone who has taken part in the Chilly Willy ride out over the years. Without support like this our lifesaving missions in Northamptonshire and further afield wouldn’t be possible.”

“We receive no government or National Lottery funding for our vital missions and rely entirely on donations from people within the local community to keep our charity saving lives.”

For more information, please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.