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Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Cannock-based cyclist, Thomas Yaxley, is currently partway through an extraordinary endurance challenge in memory of his brother Hugo, who tragically died in a car crash in 2020 and Aunt, Helen McCrory.
Between 31st July and 13th August, Tom is cycling to every air ambulance charity in the UK, a route covering over 2,500km, as part of the Ride4Hugo Air Ambulance Challenge.
The journey, which began in Perth, Scotland, includes a sea crossing to Northern Ireland and visits to all 21 air ambulance charities across the UK. The never before attempted feat has been submitted for a Guinness World Record.
On Friday 9th August, Tom reached his 9th checkpoint at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Cosford airbase, just a few miles from his hometown of Cannock.
Tom is undertaking the challenge to mark five years since the crash that changed his family’s life forever. On 16th November 2020, his brother Hugo, aged just 20, was fatally injured in a head-on collision. The incident saw a rapid response from multiple emergency teams, including three air ambulances. Though Hugo passed away later that day, the care provided gave his family precious final moments with him.
Now, Tom is raising vital funds for three charities that reflect Hugo’s life, values and the organisations involved that day:
- Air Ambulances UK – the national charity championing and supporting the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities
- Place2Be – delivering mental health support in schools
- HvH ARTS (Sir Hubert Von Herkomer Arts Foundation) – offering access to the arts for children and young people
Thomas is supporting HvH ARTS as it was a charity close to the heart of his Auntie Helen McCrory, best known for her performance in Peaky Blinders.
Thomas said: “Hugo loved adventure and believed in doing things differently. Five years on, I wanted to do something bold, something that reflects his energy – and also gives back to the organisations that supported us and mirror Hugo’s passions. Nobody’s ever taken on this challenge before – it’s going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what so many families go through when facing tragedy.”
Emma Wood, head of fundraising and engagement at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity commented: “We’re honoured to welcome Tom to our Cosford airbase as part of his inspiring challenge. His determination to turn a personal tragedy into a powerful force for good is incredibly moving. The funds and awareness he’s raising for air ambulance services and other vital causes will make a real difference. We’ll be cheering him on every pedal of the way.”
How to Follow and Support the Ride4Hugo Air Base Challenge:
To find out more about Air Ambulances UK, please click here.
To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s vital, lifesaving work, visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.