A Paralympic cyclist and Wales Air Ambulance Ambassador has cycled over 340 miles to raise donations for the Welsh helicopter charity.

Simon Richardson MBE cycled from Paris to Swansea in August to generate donations for the charity which airlifted him.

The Paralympic multi-medallist joined Wales Air Ambulance as an Ambassador in 2012. The Porthcawl athlete, who won silver and two gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, was airlifted by Wales Air Ambulance after a road traffic collision. Simon set up the special fundraiser and hashtag #Simonstrong, with a host of fundraising events planned for the charity. 

This year Simon set himself a fundraising challenge to cycle from Paris to Swansea, sporting a bespoke Wales Air Ambulance cycle jersey and shorts, to raise awareness and donations for the charity.

Wales Air Ambulance is an all-Wales charity, operating four helicopters across the country to provide emergency air cover for those facing life-threatening illness or injuries.

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £6.5 million every year to fund its operations across Wales, with each of its missions costing around £1,500, funded through kind donations.

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Simon, not only does he provide us with outstanding support for us in his role as a Wales Air Ambulance Ambassador, but he regularly raises vital donations for us as well.

“In every mile of his 340-mile challenge, Simon raised donations that would help to save lives across Wales.

“As a charity, we rely on support and donations to keep our four helicopters flying, and Simon helps to raise awareness for us as a charitable organisation as well as raising lifesaving funds.”