An Abertillery couple have ‘walked Wales’ once again from Cyprus to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Lawrence Morris, 53 and his wife Julie, 58, took on the Charity’s annual Walk Wales challenge – 100km in May - from their second home in Pernera, south-east Cyprus, and raised £230.

Walk Wales allowed walkers a chance to set themselves a target based on the number of steps they could achieve over a one-month period from the comfort of their own homes. 100km in May could be achieved at home, in the garden or during exercise, taking the dog for a walk – and even going up and down the stairs!   

The couple are no strangers to fundraising for the lifesaving Charity, last year they also took part in the challenge and raised £779 in their first fundraiser.

A delighted Lawrence said: “Julie and I took part from Cyprus once again and walked a little over 200km in May for the Charity, whilst raising £230.

“Again, we have been amazed at the generosity of our friends and family donating money to the cause especially in the current climate with the living costs crisis which is impacting on everyone and their daily lives.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity emergency service offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.   

Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser, Laura Coyne said: “We’re delighted that Lawrence and Julie took part in our annual Walk Wales challenge for the second year running from Cyprus. Each year they prove that you don’t have to be in Wales to virtually Walk Wales. They both did amazing to complete over 200km in May, which was 100km more than the challenge asked for.

“Thank you both for your continued support in raising funds for our Charity. Fundraising, like Lawrence and Julie’s, will help us to keep our four helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. It will ensure that we are there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

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. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

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