Northumberland man with two artificial knees completes cycling challenge in aid of Great North Air Ambulance

Kerry Noble chose to take on the newly launched ‘Race to the Base’ GNAAS fund-raising event after being inspired by a friend and loyal supporter of the charity.

The event will see fund-raisers cover the distance GNAAS’ critical care team fly when returning to the air base from the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.

Participants can choose to take on the 32-mile challenge from the RVI back to GNAAS’ air base at Teesside International Airport, or the 42 miles from the RVI to their Cumbria base in Langwathby, Penrith.

Originally, Kerry decided to take on the 32-mile challenge, but actually managed 40 miles on his electric push bike.

“I have two artificial knees as a result of parachuting,” he said. “The only routes on my bike out of my house were the A1 motorway, which is treacherous, or lots of hills, but I wouldn’t be defeated so I bought an electric bike.

“My bum was numb by the end; I couldn’t have done it without the bike helping me along, but I still had to put the work in.”

He revealed that local resident Denise Morrison had been fund-raising for GNAAS since 2008.

“Before COVID-19, the total raised was £31,000,” he said. “I wanted to be part of the fundraising, but lockdown stopped all that and then I heard about this new challenge.”

Born in Whitley Bay, Kerry opened an outdoor centre in Belford in 1974 then went on to become a parachute instructor.

He said: “I have always worked at outdoor centres, so I have always had a lot of dealings with GNAAS and the air ambulance.

“We will continue to do what we can in our village to raise money for them.”

Jamie Walsh, paramedic and training manager at GNAAS said: “The Race to the Base challenge is an opportunity to stay healthy and active while raising funds for a great cause.

“We’d like to thank Kerry for literally going the extra mile for us. We couldn’t keep flying without people like him and those who have supported him.”

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