A SEMINGTON man has raised so far raised more than £15,600 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance in a 13-year campaign to support the charity.

John Phillips raised a further £255 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance after taking part in its Big Wheel Charity Cycle Ride in mid-September.

John Phillips, 73, completed a 12-mile course in 70 minutes, riding on the bike that his daughter Michelle used before her tragic death.

Mr Phillips was accompanied by his son, Darren, and his wife, Sandra contributed part of her 70th birthday presents towards the fundraising effort.

John said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that supported me. Although it wasn't a race I managed to do the 12-mile course in 1hr 10mins which I was quite pleased with.

“Our son Darren accompanied me and he was a great help with encouragement when we came to the hills! In the end I raised £255.

“My wife Sandra contributed her 70th birthday money to the total, which she asked for in lieu of presents, although she still received some presents as well.”

The couple’s daughter, 26-year-old Michelle Phillips, died in April 2004 in a car accident on the North Devon Link Road.

Over the past 13 years, they have raised a total of £15,658.61 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.