A WICKFORD man in now well into a challenge to ride the length of the UK to raise funds and save lives.

Glen Hickman, 59, is cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Air Ambulance UK, who represent the UK's 21 air ambulances, after his life was saved by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. He has already raised £2,681 towards a target of £5,000.

From 10 to 29 May, Glen is taking on the 1,600km ride, cycling past some of the 21 air ambulances spread across the UK and ending his ride with a visit to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance in Perth.

The ride shows just how far Glen has come since five years ago when a serious cycling accident just a mile from his home left him fighting for his life. Glen was found unconscious at the roadside after hitting his head.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance landed at a safe location nearby and the team took immediate action to stabilise him before transporting him to The Royal London Hospital for further critical care. Glen had suffered a traumatic brain injury and was placed into a medically induced coma, only waking up 15 days later with no memory of what happened.

When Alice Kershberg, Specialist Nurse for Brain Injury at the time and now Patient & Family Liaison Lead at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance told him about his Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), used to measure the level of consciousness after brain injury, he realised "just how close he'd come to not making it".

"I was rated at just four or five at the scene. A score of three is the lowest possible. Hearing that put everything into perspective – I hadn't just been in a bad accident; I'd been fighting for my life without even knowing it."

Glen has been an active supporter of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance ever since the incident raising thousands of pounds and this is his most ambitious endeavour to date. He is also working with the charity's Centre for Excellence, dedicated to advancing emergency pre-hospital care, supporting its vital head injury research.

He is calling on people across Essex and Hertfordshire to support his ride or find their own ways to support the charity so it can continue to help others who might find themselves in a similar position. Glen is also a Trustee for Headway Essex.

Alice added: "We are so lucky the lengths that supporters like Glen go to, to help us keep our vital service going. It's been brilliant to see Glen's recovery and we're so grateful for the tireless way he's supported us since - we can't wait to hear about this next epic endeavour. As a charity we rely solely on donations to keep our helicopters flying so efforts like this make all the difference."

Glen said: "I really want to show people there is life - and real quality of life - after brain injury that's what motivates me to take on these kind of challenges. Every time I think about just how far it is, I remember what happened and the incredible efforts of the air ambulance which are the only reason I'm here today. #When I think about that, suddenly 1600km seems the least I can do! If anyone is able to give a little something to support my efforts, I'd be really grateful."

To find out more or to donate, visit: Glen Hickman is fundraising for Air Ambulances UK. For more information on Essex & Herts Air Ambulance please visit ehaat.org