A GROUP of bikers are due to set off on a 2,000 mile journey across the country to raise money for Hampshire Air Ambulance.

The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association is made up completely of freemasons and on August 19, the groups Southern Chapter are due to leave Chandler’s Ford as they head out on a journey across the country.

Made up of members aged between 30 and 80, the team taking on the ride will first be heading to Wales before driving up, through Scotland to to John O’ Groats.

Once there they shall begin their return to Chandler’s Ford to complete the 2,000 mile journey which is expected to take around two and a half days to complete.

The ride is being done to raise money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, the groups main charity, and comes after the bikers association raised over £10,000 last year for the Air Ambulance by riding from Horndean to John’ O Groats.

On the day, the Mayor of Eastleigh will be in attendance as the group present the Air Ambulance with a cheque for £10,000 from last years event at the Chandler’s Ford Masonic Centre, before embarking on their latest journey.

A total of 18 group members are setting off from the Hampshire site who will be joined by other Widows Sons members from around the country as they travel through different provinces.

Mike Haywood, the president of the Southern Chapter said: “All this is about is like minded people riding moterbikes and trying to raise money for charity.

“As long as it doesn’t rain like it did last year, we’re looking forward to it. We’re hoping that this year its going to be a bit nicer so we can enjoy it a bit more.”

A lot of the fundraising efforts have been made through sponsor companies of the group, but a JustGiving page has also been set up to raise as much as possible for the Air Ambulance.

The JustGiving page for the 2,000 mile journey can be found here.