A CHAMPION para-cyclist from Wiltshire is encouraging people to get on their bikes to support the air ambulance.

Lauren Booth, 15, is a Charity Ambassador for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) and is taking part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel event with her mum later this month.

The 45-mile challenge takes place on Sunday, September 25, and will be raising money for the WAA, a service which costs £8,904 per day to keep running.

Lauren, who will be joined by the likes of winter Olympian Shelley Rudman, said she was looking forward to the challenge.

“We haven’t done the Big Wheel before. It will be a new challenge for a good cause,” she said.

“The Big Wheel is a great opportunity to explore Wiltshire whilst keeping fit and raising awareness of the air ambulance.”

Riders have a choice of routes for the Wiltshire Big Wheel from a 12-mile family route, 45 or 100 miles.

The ride, organised by Bristol-based Bike Events, starts and finishes at The Green in Devizes and goes through the Vale of Pewsey.

The 45-mile route goes to Marlborough and the 100 route takes in the Wylye Valley and Salisbury.

Kenresa Stratford, fundraising co-ordinator at WAA, said there has been “great interest” in the event, due in part to team GB’s cycling success at the Rio Olympic Games.

“We had an increase in sign-ups following the Olympic Games,” said Kenresa.

“It’s brilliant that Lauren is taking part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel to support us.

“We’d love more people to take part. It’s a great event and you don’t have to be an elite cyclist to do it.

“The 12-mile family route is ideal for a leisurely ride, while for those wanting a longer ride there are the 45 and the 100 mile routes.”

To take part, registration is £5 for children and entry for adults costs £10 for the 12-mile route, £17.50 for the 45-mile route and £23 for the 100-mile route.

There is no minimum fundraising target but, as an incentive, people who raise £75 will receive a medal on completion of the ride and those who raise £150 will receive a cycling jersey.

For more information or to sign up, email kenresa@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or visit wiltshireairambulance.co.uk