Published: 19 February 2024

Two South Wales emergency medical technicians are swapping their emergency vehicles for bicycles to complete a 24-hour cycle ride the length of Wales.

Joe Witts and Mikey Davey will cycle from Caernarfon Castle in North Wales to Cardiff Castle in South Wales to fundraise for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The route will see the men cycle through the heart of Wales, which is ‘around 200 miles long with 3330m of climbing’ - the equivalent of going up Yr Wyddfa 3.1 times!

Joe said: “We aim to complete it in around 18 hours. This is a nonstop, self-supported ride which means we will have to carry supplies and equipment to sort out any issues should they arise during the journey.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust colleagues have already smashed their £500 fundraising target by raising £600 for the event, which will take place on 8 June.

Reflecting on why they wanted to take on the challenge, Joe continued: “We chose the charity because we see the work they do first-hand, as Mikey and I have worked alongside air ambulance colleagues to provide outstanding pre-hospital care to the people of Wales.

“We think the service they provide is very valuable here in Wales because of the geography. There are vast distances between some communities and definitive care establishments, so the air ambulance can bring the hospital emergency department to anywhere in Wales which means better outcomes for patients.” 

“During the current financial climate, it’s hard asking people to donate their hard-earned money but we believe that this is a vital cause and maybe one day they may need to call on the air ambulance’s help.”

Joe, who lives in the Afan Valley, and Mikey from Swansea both used to be in the army and ‘enjoy adversity and a challenge’.

They are not looking forward to climbing up the A470 from Brecon to the bottom of Pen Y Fan due to the fact this will be 125 miles into the challenge.

Owen Adams, Duty Operations Manager for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “Like Joe, I understand and appreciate the difference the Wales Air Ambulance Service makes to our patients.

“I hope that the ride goes as smoothly as possible and the weather isn’t too bad for them. It’s great to see that with the help of their colleagues, they have already smashed their original fundraising target of £500. Well done to them both, hopefully they aren’t too sore when they eventually arrive in Cardiff.”

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. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

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.  

As a pan-Wales service, our dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

Wales Air Ambulance’s Hannah Bartlett said: “The incredible partnership between the Welsh Ambulance Service and Wales Air Ambulance delivers the best possible care for us all.

“We are delighted that Mikey and Joe have decided to fundraiser for our cause. They have both worked closely with our medics so know firsthand how valuable the service is to the people of Wales. They have already reached their fundraising target, which is wonderful. We offer them the best of luck throughout their fundraiser.

“Mikey and Joe help save lives daily, and by completing this fundraise they will help us continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Thank you both.”

Linda Bladen, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Locality Manager for Neath Port Talbot said: “It’s always nice to see colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service raising money for good causes. The Wales Air Ambulance has shown many times over the years what a crucial difference they can make in a medical emergency.

“Good luck to Mikey and Joe and well done to you both for taking on this amazing challenge.”

You can show your support to Mikey and Joe by donating to their JustGiving page ‘Ride Wales In 24hrs for The Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust’.