Published 24 July 2023.

A Barber from West Wales completes Ironman Swansea 70.3, raising over £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance. 

In December 2022, Jamie Lloyd pledged to take on a fitness challenge and set his sights on Ironman Swansea 70.3.

The event, which took place on Sunday 16 July 2023 saw participants complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and a half marathon to finish.

This is only the second time the event has taken place in the city of Swansea, and despite difficult weather conditions, Jamie crossed the finish line in six hours and thirteen minutes.

The self-employed barber received a charity place to the event in which he pledged to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Jamie said: “After seeing on the Charity’s Facebook page that there were places available to raise money for the Air Ambulance, I knew that this was the best option.

“Being in West Wales I often see how valuable the Welsh Air Ambulance is, as we’re a fair distance away from the major hospitals.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £8 million every year to ensure it can carry on its lifesaving work.

Since its inception on March 1, 2001, the Charity has carried out more than 45,000 missions and provides vital 24/7 emergency cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries.  

The 25-year-old set himself the target of raising £800 for the all-Wales Charity but managed to raise over double that amount. 

He said: “With a good client base I was confident that I could reach my initial target of £800, but have now passed the £2,000 mark. 

“I am grateful to all of my friends, family and customers for donations towards this fundraiser and I am proud of the support I received towards my 70.3 attempt.”

It’s the first time Jamie, from Aberystwyth, had taken part in a triathlon of this distance and his family were there to support him on the day. 

The dad-of-one said: “My two-year-old son, Zebedee, was waiting at the finish line for me with my partner and mum.”

Tracey Breese, Events and Partnership Fundraiser at Wales Air Ambulance said: “Congratulations to Jamie for completing Ironman Swansea 70.3 and thank you for choosing to support our Charity.

“Fundraisers, like this, go towards keeping our emergency helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. All the best with your Ironman Wales training.”