A Wales Air Ambulance flying doctor is swapping a helicopter for a road bike, taking on the Velothon Wales event in aid of the charity.

Dr Tim Rogerson will cycle the 140km cycle around Cardiff on Sunday July 9 to raise lifesaving donations to fund Wales Air Ambulance’s missions.

Tim flies on board the charity’s helicopter, bringing the A&E department to the people of Wales in their hour of need.

The doctor will cycle the course to help raise the donations needed to fund the charity’s operations, setting off in the city of Cardiff before cycling through Newport and Caerphilly on his sponsored challenge.

Tim said: “I work as a doctor on board Wales Air Ambulance and see how vital this service is to the people of Wales.

“Your donations will help keep this vital service flying and allow for patients to be taken quickly in their time of need to the most appropriate hospital.”

The service operates four helicopters based in Caernarfon, Welshpool, Llanelli and Cardiff, and can be anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes.

The Wales Air Ambulance charity relies on kind support to complete its operations, needing to raise £6.5 million in charitable donations to fund its missions across Wales – with each of WAA’s missions costing around £1,500.

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “We are incredible grateful that one of the doctors who flies on board our aircraft would use their day off to fundraise for us, taking on a huge cycling challenge to raise donations.

“We rely on donations to keep our four helicopters flying, and his fundraising will help to fund missions.”

If you would like to sponsor Dr Tim Rogerson, click here: http://bit.ly/2tLE6r4