THIS time last year Ken Strickland was taking a very different tour of Yorkshire.

Ken, 83, suffered a heart attack whilst on his farm in Eldroth and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance transported him to Leeds General Infirmary.

“It was just amazing” said Ken. “Fifteen minutes after leaving the back of beyond, I was on the top of the hospital roof in Leeds. I joked to the medics who were there to greet me saying I thought there was a waiting list. Their reply was 'we’re waiting for you mate'."

Thanks to the air ambulance, Ken made it to hospital within the golden hour and received immediate cardiac surgery.

Now, as cyclists and spectators descend on Settle for the Tour de Yorkshire, Ken’s daughter, Anne, has devised her own Tour of Settle trail to raise funds to support the air ambulance.

Anne, owner of the town’s toy shop, The House That Jack Built, said: "We would love our visitors to take time and explore our lovely town whilst enjoying the sporting activities.

"Settle’s traders will be displaying images of the area’s great attractions for families to find, giving participants the chance to win a hamper of Tour de Yorkshire-themed goodies. It costs £1 for a trail form and all money will go the YAA.”

Anne added: “Settle has been getting ready for this party for months now and we are so excited to be hosting such an event. Indeed, The House That Jack Built has been renamed The House That Brad Built, in honour of Bradley Wiggins, who has confirmed his participation in the race.

“This is an incredible opportunity to put Settle on the map and a year on from dad’s heart attack, my family and I wanted to organise something to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It needs to raise £12,000 per day to keep both of its helicopters maintained and in the air. We will always be grateful to previous fundraisers, who allowed the service to be there for dad.”

Ken will be there to cheer the cyclists across the line tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking of his emergency journey, he said: “ I hope I don’t have to do that particular tour of Yorkshire again, but if I do, I’ll make sure they open a window so I can take in the view!”

Tour of Settle trail forms are available from The House That Jack from tomorrow until Monday.