Post by glappylad on May 7, 2008 19:20:05 GMT 1
Emmerdale star Richard Thorp is so impressed with the County Air Ambulance he has given them his beloved bike.The actor, who plays Alan Turner in the long-running ITV soap, has donated his Kawasaki Drifter motorcycle to the charity.
Annie Newell, area fundraising officer for the air ambulance, said he was prompted to do so when someone he knew was rushed to hospital by the helicopter after suffering a heart attack. The man survived.
The 1500cc machine, which has been lovingly customised by Richard, will be auctioned at Cheltenham racecourse on November 14. It is expected to raise more than £10,000 for the charity.
Speaking about the gift Annie Newell said: "We're indebted to Richard. It's our intention to do the motorbike justice and offer it for auction at the highest price.
"I expect considerable interest from across the country and even further afield, hopefully resulting in a big boost to funds for the vital work of County Air Ambulance."
She says Richard wants as much money as possible to be raised.
She said: "The saddle has been customised to the tune of more than £3,000 so it's a one-off bike that should go for a lot of money."
The County Air Ambulance operates from its bases at East Midlands Airport, RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, and Strensham North Services on the M5.
It costs £5.6 million a year to run and survives on donations from the public.
Richard Thorp lives on the Herefordshire/Shropshire border.
His bike will be auctioned at a private event but if anyone would like to put in a bid before November 14, they can contact Anne on 07747696097 or by the e-mail address anne.newell@countyairambulance.org
Annie Newell, area fundraising officer for the air ambulance, said he was prompted to do so when someone he knew was rushed to hospital by the helicopter after suffering a heart attack. The man survived.
The 1500cc machine, which has been lovingly customised by Richard, will be auctioned at Cheltenham racecourse on November 14. It is expected to raise more than £10,000 for the charity.
Speaking about the gift Annie Newell said: "We're indebted to Richard. It's our intention to do the motorbike justice and offer it for auction at the highest price.
"I expect considerable interest from across the country and even further afield, hopefully resulting in a big boost to funds for the vital work of County Air Ambulance."
She says Richard wants as much money as possible to be raised.
She said: "The saddle has been customised to the tune of more than £3,000 so it's a one-off bike that should go for a lot of money."
The County Air Ambulance operates from its bases at East Midlands Airport, RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, and Strensham North Services on the M5.
It costs £5.6 million a year to run and survives on donations from the public.
Richard Thorp lives on the Herefordshire/Shropshire border.
His bike will be auctioned at a private event but if anyone would like to put in a bid before November 14, they can contact Anne on 07747696097 or by the e-mail address anne.newell@countyairambulance.org