NORTH Tawton-based Gregory Distribution Limited (GDL) have announced sponsorship of the Air Ambulance Challenge 2002 — a marathon drive for charity to raise awareness that almost all air ambulances are funded solely from public donations.

The event involves a team of volunteers driving a fleet of four sponsored vehicles on a gruelling trek around the country. They will visit every air ambulance helipad and police authority which operates an air ambulance service, as well as most of the local TV and radio stations along the way in a massive fund-raising campaign.

GDL managing director John Gregory, who is a trustee of the Devon Air Ambulance, has agreed to cover the cost of the fuel used in the challenge.

He said: 'The Devon Air Ambulance celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and the fundraisers decided upon this ambitious plan to mark the event and to raise money through a 'Guess the Mileage' competition.

'As the plans developed, it became clear that they were able to achieve an awareness campaign on behalf of all air ambulances who have charitable status and receive no Government money to keep their aircraft flying.

'I am delighted to support this wonderful initiative as the air ambulances contribute a vital service to everyone — but to rural communities in particular.'

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) began on August 27 1992 and was first seen by the public when it landed on Cathedral Green in Exeter. The same location has been chosen to send off the vehicles this year with the aim to get back to Exeter on the exact anniversary date.

DAAT's General Manager, Lin Paver, said: 'The objective of the Air Ambulance Challenge is both to raise funds for the Devon operation in our anniversary year and to create more national awareness that every air ambulance in the country which, with just a few exceptions, relies entirely on the public's generosity for funding their essential services.

'We are thrilled that Gregory Distribution have joined with Vauxhall UK as our main sponsors for the event but we would be still be delighted to hear from any other organisation who would be interested in lending further support.'

l John Gregory is pictured with Olympic horsewoman and patron of the Devon Air Ambulance, Mary King, and pilot JC Woods.