A social group put on their walking shoes to raise £625 for the Wales Air Ambulance in memory of a former colleague.

Clwb Hwyl Dyffryn Ardudwy Social Group set themselves the challenge of walking 3.5 miles around Dyffryn Ardudwy and the surrounding areas.

Thirteen people took part in the sponsored walk that was held in memory of Bethan Roberts, who worked at the group and sadly passed away a few months ago.

The fundraiser was held after individuals felt they needed to ‘give something back to support the Wales Air Ambulance’.

The group were delighted to present a cheque to the Charity’s community fundraising coordinator, Alwyn Jones, at a recent visit to the Caernarfon airbase. After speaking to the Wales Air Ambulance’s medics, pilot and staff the members enjoyed lunch at Charity’s Caffi HEMS.

Learning disability support service Leader, Gwyn Williams said: “Taking part was a pleasure and honour to be raising money for such an important cause and giving back to the community. It gave a big sense of achievement for the individuals who have a learning disability.

“The visit to the airport was a fantastic day out, the individuals thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the pilots, medics and Alwyn looked after us very well and had plenty of time for us all. Along with the kitchen staff and Taryn Bennett who provided us all with a lovely lunch too.

Dyffryn Ardudwy Group is a community group for adults with a learning disability, which provides a group session to develop skills like communication and independence, socialising and encouraging the individuals to take part in arts and crafts, bingo, football and other sports like boccia.

The group provide yoga sessions, and educational sessions and work closely with the Health and Wellbeing team at the Gwynedd Council.

Alwyn Jones, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome our friends from Grwp Dyffryn Ardudwy to the airbase recently. I understand they have had huge enjoyment in arranging and taking part in the sponsored walk which raised a brilliant amount for the Charity albeit the reason behind their intention was tinged with sadness following the loss of a friend and colleague and therefore the walk was in her memory.

“I am glad to hear also that they all enjoyed their lunch afterwards in Caffi HEMS. Diolch yn fawr i Gyd.”

Wales Air Ambulance 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.  

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.