Youngsters from a Bethesda primary school have raised over £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance by virtually walking the distance from Dinas Bran Castle to Caergwrle Castle.

Pupils from Ysgol Pen y Bryn took on the charity’s annual fundraiser Walk Wales as part of their theme on health and wellbeing and the work of emergency services.

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. Each target was the equivalent of a walk between iconic Welsh castles and 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 year 4, 5 and 6 pupils walked 16 miles, which was the virtual distance between Dinas Bran Castle to Caergwrle Castle.

They clocked off 36,000 steps by walking around the school yard and perimeter.

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.  

As part of the school’s theme on the work of the emergency services, Wales Air Ambulance’s community fundraising coordinator, Alywn Jones was invited to the school to talk to the children.

Alwyn enjoyed three ‘excellent’ sessions with the different year groups, who all participated and were very interested in the lifesaving charity.

The talk started with the history of the Wales Air Ambulance, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, and covered information about the four helicopters and critical care team that provide emergency care across Wales.

Alwyn also explained his role within the charity and how the Wales Air Ambulance is funded, and what it takes to reach the £8 million every year to run.

A delighted, Alwyn, said: “It was a huge pleasure to be invited to talk about the charity at Ysgol Pen y Bryn Bethesda, which coincided with their decision to fundraise for us through their walk Wales challenge. 

“Shortly before the end of term i was invited back to be presented with a fantastic amount of £2,057 that they raised through sponsorship. It is brilliant! Many thanks for the warmth and kindness shown to me and to the pupils who raised such a fantastic amount between them. You’re all helping save lives across Wales.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with innovative ways to fundraise. 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