Ysgol Gwaun Cae Gurwen has thrown its support behind its nursery school pupil Calan-James Rees by raising £100 towards his fundraiser.

Brave four-year-old, Calan-James, will walk up South Wales’ highest peak – Pen y Fan – on the first anniversary of his father’s death for the Charity that fought to save his life.

Calan-James, who will walk up the Brecon Beacon peak with his mother, Gemma Lewis, next month, has raised £562 of his fundraising target, with help from his school, in memory of his dad Sam Rees - who died following an off-road motorcycle accident in Tairgwaith.

The school staff raised money on behalf of Calan’s family, his delighted mum Gemma, said: “I’m extremely grateful to the school for not only supporting Calan but also the charity. It is wonderful.”

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.    

Ysgol Gwaun Cae Gurwen pupils raised the funds by taking part in an in house sponsored walk around the school.

The family are hoping to raise £1,000 for the lifesaving service which came to Sam’s aid within seven minutes of the call. 

Headteacher, Martin Evans, said: “Calan’s mum has been very supportive as well as the nursery staff who teach Calan. The support has been incredible.

“Calan is a wonderful young person who has faced the worst event ever at such a young age. He has shown us all that through the strength of his bubbly and courageous personality, good things can happen.  The school and the staff are extremely proud of Calan, Gemma and his family. His dad would be extremely proud.”  

The walk will take place on Monday, 30 August at 10am. Gemma has said that anyone is welcome to walk with them. 

Elin Murphy, the Charity’s South-West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “Thank you so much to the staff at Ysgol Gwaun Cae Gurwen who are not only supporting Calan through this horrendous time, but are also supporting the Charity and raised £100 towards his fundraiser. You’re all helping keep the Wales Air Ambulance in the air 24/7. Diolch yn Fawr.”

You can show your support to Calan and his mum Gemma, by donating to their Just Giving page Calan’s Pen y Fan Walk.

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.