A five-year-old schoolboy has raised £600 by climbing Pen y Fan for the first time for the Wales Air Ambulance charity.

Kind-hearted Alfie Thomas, who was joined by his brother Jayden, 7, and parents Laura and Kris, walked up the highest peak in South Wales, which is situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, in just 1 hour and 19 minutes. The decent took the family 40 minutes.

The Pantysgallog Primary School pupil decided to do the fundraiser after asking his dad about the Wales Air Ambulance, or the ‘flying ambulance’ as he calls it.

His proud dad, Kris, said: “Alfie loves seeing the flying ambulance, as he calls it. He understands “the flying ambulance” is there to help people who are really ill and while I was explaining to him that the air ambulance relies on fundraising and donations he decided he wanted to help.

“We decided on Pen Y Fan because it was tough but achievable. This was the first time for him to attempt any mountain, so it was a challenge for him. He has made us all really proud - from the start when he suggested doing something to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance right up to the end watching his tiny legs race to the peak.

“We thought we may have to carry him at some point, but we were wrong. He beat us all! We were all a bit emotional when he finished the walk with such a big smile on his face.”

The family from Merthyr Tydfil are delighted with the amount Alfie has raised for the lifesaving charity, which has seen donations from teachers, friends and family. The family would like to say a special thanks to Evans Taxis for their generous donation.

Grateful Kris added: “Our friends and family have been very supportive of Alfie. It’s because of their donations it has all been possible. I think they are all as proud of Alfie as we are.”

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “Thank you so much to Alfie and his family. To walk to the peak of Pen y Fan is challenging for most people, let alone a five-year-old! Alfie did extremely well to complete it in just 1 hour and 19 mins and we really appreciate his efforts. Alfie, and everyone who donated, will help keep the ‘flying ambulance’ in the air.”