Entries now open for Cornwall Air Ambulance’s first ever Heli Hike

Cornwall Air Ambulance is encouraging the people of Cornwall to step forward and sign up for their brand-new Heli Hike walking event to help raise funds for the lifesaving charity.

Taking place on Saturday April 25, Heli Hike will provide an exciting opportunity for participants to come together and take on an unforgettable walk through the breathtaking landscapes of Bude. 

The event offers two routes to choose from, both of which will include scenic sights along the south west coastal path, through farm fields and along the canal. 

The full route is an impressive 12-mile circuit starting and ending at Bude Castle. The length of the challenge represents an average flight time of 12 minutes to incidents tasked to Cornwall Air Ambulance. A shorter second route of 3.5 miles starts at Widemouth Bay Beach and also ends at Bude Castle. 

The event is family friendly and is suitable for all ages. Dogs are also welcome to join the walk providing they are always kept on leads. 

Upon completing the challenge, all participants will receive a Heli Hike t-shirt and an eco-friendly medal. Hot food will be available thanks to Rapid Relief Team and there will be a live DJ playing music to add to the celebrations, providing a fantastic atmosphere for friends and family to spend quality time with one another. 

Joining Cornwall Air Ambulance’s first ever Heli Hike will be a former patient from Bude - 17-year-old Lewie Cole, who two years ago fell 35 feet off a cliff into a rocky cove below. Lewie will be taking part in the event along with his twin brother Logan who made the call to 999 at the time of the incident. 

Registrations to cover the running of the event cost £15 for adults and £10 for children, with those aged under five able to attend for free. There is a 25% discount available for those wanting to take part as a team of five or more. Participants are also asked to raise funds for Cornwall Air Ambulance on top of the entrance fee. 

Offering their support as sponsors for the event are bott UK and M&M Plant (Devon & Cornwall) Ltd. 

Karen Hurn, Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “We are incredibly excited to be launching our first ever Heli Hike – an event where literally every single step taken is helping to save lives right across our region. 

“Whichever of our two routes you choose to take, your involvement will help us continue to provide critical care to patients like Lewie and ensure that together, we can be there for someone’s tomorrow. It’s going to be a brilliant day in Bude and we can’t wait to see everyone there.” 

Last year, following the generous support for the Heli2 Appeal, Cornwall Air Ambulance secured a second AW169 helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This has increased availability significantly and now means that weather-permitting, a helicopter is always ready to respond, including during times of repair or service.  

There is now also a doctor on board nearly all daytime missions, working alongside highly skilled critical care paramedics, ensuring patients can benefit from a full range of critical care skills. 

Cornwall Air Ambulance is the UK’s first air ambulance service, with 2027 marking its 40th anniversary. The charity receives no direct government funding towards running costs and needs to raise £9m a year to keep the lifesaving service running. Therefore, the generosity of the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and their support for events such as Heli Hike are fundamental.  

For more information and to sign up to take part in Cornwall Air Ambulance's first ever Heli Hike, see www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org.