Kettering woman's road rally effort raises cash for air ambulance

A Kettering woman who rode more than 300 miles in a rally dressed as a minion has handed over hundreds of pounds to the air ambulance service.

Helen Smith, 60, took part in her first national road rally for bikers in September, spending nine-and-a-half hours on the road.

She was joined by her son Steven - who was dressed as Luigi - as they travelled 334 miles from Kettering to Gaydon via Bedford, St Neots, Stibbington, Grantham, Clumber Park, Kegworth, Syston and Rugby.

They were part of a 'virtual' rally which saw about 200 people take part, heading to different checkpoints which would usually be manned. But because of the Covid crisis they were virtual checkpoints with codes to be taken down.

As it was her first rally Helen, who has only been riding for a couple of years, decided to raise money for the air ambulance service.

And earlier this month she handed over a cheque for £560.

Helen, who volunteers at the KCU charity shop in Kettering town centre, said: "They are struggling at the minute.

"Nine times out of ten if a biker gets knocked off and it's severe it's them that come out to you.

"We have to keep her flying."

Keep an eye out for Helen and her son later this month - they'll be riding around Kettering in Halloween costumes.

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