Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Union team has raised an incredible £4,879 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity after completing the ‘hardest challenge of their lives’.

Last week the 32 members of the rugby team took on the exhausting challenge of completing a marathon over 24 hours. The fundraiser saw the men running over 3 miles in the first hour, followed by one mile every hour for the remaining 23 hours.

Speaking after completing the challenge, first team captain Tudor Roderick, said: “The marathon was a great success with nearly everyone completing the challenge. The challenge was so much harder than previously anticipated, and the lack of sleep really took its toll towards the end of the day.

“At just gone 11pm, we felt a great sense of achievement to have completed what I and a lot of the boys have described as the hardest challenge of our lives. As a club we ran or walked 786 miles throughout the 24hour period.

“Most importantly we have now raised over £4,800 for Wales Air Ambulance which is a fantastic achievement, and I am very proud of the boys’ efforts!” 

Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions the event was held virtually, with one team member completing his marathon from the Isle of Man and another taking part in Spain. The remainder of the team completed the event around Aberystwyth.

Reflecting on why they wanted to raise money for the lifesaving charity, Tudor said: “As a club we felt it was an excellent charity that often comes to the rescue when serious rugby injuries occur. The service is incredibly important and without it many more rural injuries would lead to fatality, especially in hard-to-reach areas of Wales.”

Dougie Bancroft, Wales Air Ambulance community fundraiser, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this huge challenge in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance. To have raised over £4,800 is incredible and the donations reflects the determination the men had to have during the 24hours to complete what they have described as ‘the hardest challenge of their lives’.

“The Wales Air Ambulance is now a 24/7 service and needs to raise £8 million ever year to keep the helicopters in the air.  Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Union team are helping save lives across Wales. Thank you so much!”

There’s still time to show your support to the men by sponsoring them via their Just Giving page - Aberystwyth Men’s Rugby Union 24hour Marathon.

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home.

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.