A Rhondda man is currently running every day throughout October, which includes three half marathons in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

Dale Beacham, 34, from Porth, has set himself a challenge that most people would quickly shy away from, but he’s no stranger to the task ahead after completing the epic challenge last year.

This year Dale wanted to do the 200km run for charity after the Wales Air Ambulance were called out to his auntie Keryl Kidner, who sadly passed away in July.

Dale said: “I wanted to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance as in July my auntie suffered a catastrophic bleed on the brain and the air ambulance was at the scene. Sadly, she couldn’t be saved, but the quick response of the medics allowed her children and husband to say their final goodbyes in hospital. So, the fundraiser is a thank you from me and my family.”

Dale, who works in a cosmetics factory, whilst studying part time with the Open University, is over halfway through his challenge.

The member of the Lonely Goat Running Club added: “I’m feeling great, I’m currently up to 87 miles and it’s helped my running as well. I achieved a personal best on the Swansea Half Marathon at 1:54:00, which is over two minutes faster than my last half marathon. This week I’m just doing slow one or two mile runs ready for the Newport Marathon.

Dale has so far raised £260 of his £500 fundraising target, and originally hoped to run 200km but due to the fact he has added the Llanelli Half Marathon into his challenge – he will now have run an impressive 130 miles by the end of the month!

The runner’s family, friends and his running club have been really supportive throughout his fundraiser.

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.  

Elin Murphy, the Charity’s Community Fundraising Coordinator, said: “It is heart-warming to hear the reason behind Dale’s fundraiser. Dale has set himself a huge challenge of running 130 miles within the month, which includes three half marathons. His determination to for raise funds is evident and we wish him well for the rest of his challenge throughout the month. Thank you to everyone who has donated to Dale’s fundraiser.”

You can show your support to Dale by donating to his Just Giving page Dale's Running every day of October. 

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.