Ride for Lia 2026

This year, an incredible team of cyclists will once again take on our annual Ride for Lia challenge, cycling 200 miles from Salzburg to Munich to raise vital funds for Lia's Wings – the only UK air ambulance charity that delivers life-saving services both in the UK and internationally.

Why We Ride

Lia's Wings exists to help babies and children access specialist medical treatment and care. Since first taking to the skies in 2011, the charity has supported critically ill children and their families through lifesaving air transfers across the UK and beyond, ensuring they can access the care they urgently need.

Originally established in 2010 as Lucy Air Ambulance for Children, the charity was renamed in memory of an extraordinary little girl, Emilia "Lia" Schoennagel, who sadly passed away at just five years old. Lia's legacy now sits at the heart of everything the charity does, inspiring its mission to save and change children's lives for years to come.

Unlike many healthcare services, Lia's Wings receives no government or NHS funding for its operations and relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, fundraisers and donors to continue its work.

Our Biggest Ride Yet

Following the success of the inaugural London to Paris Ride in 2024 and last year's challenging journey across Portugal's south coast, the team is preparing for its most ambitious adventure yet.

In 2026, riders will set off from Salzburg and tackle 200 miles through the stunning Alpine foothills before celebrating a memorable finish in Munich.

This route is particularly special as it passes through places that held significance for Lia and her family. Along the way, we'll visit towns and villages connected to her life, carrying her memory and legacy with us every mile of the journey.

Honouring Lia's Legacy

Ride for Lia is about much more than a cycling challenge.

It is an opportunity for friends, family and supporters to come together in Lia's name, while also honouring every child and family that Lia's Wings has supported - and every family it will support in the future.

As Lia's father and a Trustee of Lia's Wings, Patrick has said, the charity's mission is rooted in doing what Lia did so naturally: helping others. Through this challenge, we hope to ensure that families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives can receive the support, care and compassion they need.

The Difference Your Support Makes

This year, we're aiming to raise £180,000 for Lia's Wings.

Reaching this target could fund 18 lifesaving flights, helping critically ill babies and children access specialist treatment when every minute matters.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help Lia's Wings continue to:

• Fund lifesaving air transfers for babies and children in urgent need.

• Support families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Thank You

We are incredibly grateful for any support you can give.

Your donation will help ensure that more children receive the specialist care they urgently need, while helping Lia's remarkable legacy continue to change lives.

Together, we can help ensure that Lia's Wings is there for every child and family who needs it most.

Thank you for supporting Ride for Lia 2026