Pip Machin, Shropshire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity joined Rotarians and gave a talk to launch this year’s Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge which will be held on Saturday 10^th May 2025 and accepted a cheque for £4,500 from the club.

She went on to explain how the organisation is funded and said: “We are totally funded by donations from the public and organisations but do not get any government money so to receive regular donations from Borderland Rotary is really important to us.”

The Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge has been held every year (apart from during the Covid-19 pandemic) for more than 30 years with the main beneficiary being Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Pip added: “Borderland has donated more than £40,000 over the years, an amazing amount, and thank you all, both present and past, for your great work.”

Very poignant that Tim Gray, son of the late founder of the event, Brian Gray was there that evening and is still the main sponsor via his company, Dairi-Pak Ltd.

Tim went on to say: “I feel very proud and fortunate that I am in a position to keep this great challenge going and I’m sure that my father Brian, who was such an enthusiast, is looking down with great pride.”

If you want to enter, or just donate to the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge, find out more on the Borderland Challenge website.