‘Get into gear’ to raise vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance

WOULD YOU like to ‘gear up’ to raise funds for an all-Wales charity? If so, get on your bike and support a lifesaving service.

‘100km for Wales Air Ambulance’ is a brand-new cycling event that will take place on Sunday 8 September 2024 and will see participants cycle from Cardiff to Llanelli.

It’s the first mass-participation event the Charity has hosted, and whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-time racer, the event is all about having fun, enjoying the scenic views and raising vital funds for the lifesaving charity.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique Third sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Some of the crew on board Wales Air Ambulance will also be taking to the saddle and would love for you to join them.

Mike Palmer, Critical Care Practitioner for EMRTS and Wales Air Ambulance said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking part in this event, a first of its kind for the Charity.

“Wales Air Ambulance is incredible close to my heart, without it, me and my colleagues would be unable to deliver advanced, pre-hospital critical care to people when they need it most.

“A few of my colleagues and I will be taking on the challenge to raise awareness and vital funds, and we would love for fellow cyclists to join us on the journey. We’ve attended many cyclists over the years and with your support we can continue to be there for anybody who needs us.”

Entry costs £100 per participant and includes a Wales Air Ambulance cycling jersey, which must be worn on the day of the event. There is no minimum sponsorship, but the Charity encourages cyclists to raise money for its cause.

Starting off at City Hall between 7:30 and 8:30am, cyclists will make their way out of Cardiff, head towards Bridgend, pedal through Port Talbot and pass through Swansea before finishing off at the Festival Fields in Llanelli where there will be fun for all the family.

Cyclists will receive a medal for their efforts and those who raise over £200 will receive some additional goodies.

Over the years, many cyclists have supported the all-Wales Charity; having had a personal connection to the cause, or in the knowledge that they may need the crew’s help one day.

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Mark Stevens, Head of Fundraising at the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted to announce we are launching our ‘100km for Wales Air Ambulance’ cycling event. This is a wonderful opportunity for cyclists, who would like to set themselves a challenge, to get together and achieve a personal goal, whilst raising funds for the Charity. Fundraising events, like this one, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales 24/7.”