A record number of 155 riders joined this year’s KSS Ride to raise funds for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).
Participants enjoyed a scenic eight-mile route through the Bilsington Priory Estate near Ashford, on Sunday (20 August), raising more than £8,000 to support the charity’s life-saving work.
“We’re thrilled that so many riders were able to join us for KSS Ride,” said Lauren Simmons, Head of Events at KSS. “As a charity, we are reliant on public generosity to deliver our life-saving service. Events like KSS Ride are so important in helping us raise funds, and we could not do what we do without the support we receive from the communities we serve.”
Virginia Rider (pictured above), who has twice been cared for by KSS, was among those taking part.
“I took part in the KSS Ride last year and was keen to take part again this year,” she said. “It is an excellent event, at a lovely, scenic venue. It’s perfect for novice riders and horses, is well marshalled, very safe and is a fantastic way for the horse-riding community to fundraise for KSS.
“As a rider, I feel it is very important to help raise vital funds to ensure we keep our local Air Ambulance flying, as you never know when you might need their life-saving care.”
Katie Rose, KSS Ride Event Manager, said it was “fantastic” to see so many riders come together supporting the charity.
“They were all having a lovely time and enjoying the route,” she said. “I can’t thank everyone enough especially to our amazing group of 16 volunteers and staff who assisted on the day to make sure everyone was having a great time.
“Thanks also to Chris and Libby, Bilsington Priory Estate owners who gave us an amazing location for this event and Andrew Wickens photography for capturing the smiles of the riders on the day,”
On 23 September the charity is holding Heli Hike in Kent at The Friars Aylesford Priory, the first of four fundraising walks. For details of this and other fundraisers, visit the charity’s events page.
