Ascona members of staff hope to raise over £5,000 for Wales Air Ambulance, when they take on the London Marathon next year.
Geoff Harding and James Cronesberry are ‘delighted’ to have secured their Charity places at the event which takes place on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
They both work for one of the UK’s fastest growing forecourt operators, which has a long-standing partnership with the service.
Ascona Group has fundraised over £250,000 for the Charity since 2022.
Geoff who is Head of Fuel Development & Strategy is a keen runner but has never done a marathon.
He admits it all came about after he made a joke during a team meeting with Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of Income Generation.
Geoff said: “We were discussing what our fundraising plans were for the year ahead, when Phae asked ‘is there anything we can do for you?’
“I said, ‘Yes, two places for the London Marathon, would be nice’. Then she rang me up out the blue and said, I’ve got you, your places.
“I was completely shocked; my mouth gets me into trouble a lot of the time. It’s surreal and an honour to be asked by the Charity to represent the service.”
The father of one, added: “For me personally, there is no bigger challenge than running just over 26 miles. I am honoured to have my place at the London Marathon and excited to be taking part.”
The 38-year-old has always lived in Milford Haven and says locals in rural areas like Pembrokeshire ‘tend to be more aware of the potential dangers and need for the air ambulance’.
He continued: “Our lives are busier than ever; local roads are always full of cars at the best of times. So, if there is a major incident and someone is critically injured, you want the air ambulance team to be there.”
Geoff and his colleague James, who is a fuel supply specialist, often socialise outside of work, there is a lot of banter between the two of them. So, naturally he was the favoured wingman for the London Marathon.
The dad of three who moved to Wales five years ago, used to play football for his home club, Middlesbrough FC and says having his spot at the London Marathon, is a ‘bucket list moment’.
He added: “I’ve entered the ballot for numerous years, with no success. It’s a dream come true to be able to run in one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“We have quite a lot of social events at Ascona, but I did say to Geoff if there is an opportunity to do the marathon, I am in.
“Geoff joked, that he would get that sorted for me, but he actually came through on this one.”
James continued: “I’ve done a few half marathon events over the years, and I’ve spoken to a few runners who’ve said to me that London is a totally different level.
“You’ve got Tower Bridge at halfway; we plan to run a bit of it together then see where we end up.
“It’s been running for over 46 years, it’s on TV as well, so it’s a big deal for anyone who is a running enthusiast, plus you finish at Buckingham Palace.
“I love going to London as a tourist, but to be part of something so iconic in the running calendar, is very special.”
Both Geoff and James visited Wales Air Ambulance’s base in Dafen to collect their Charity race vests and meet the team.
It was a proud moment for Geoff, he said: “It is finally sinking in that we are really doing this. All the training in preparation will take place during the Winter, so there will be a lot of cold nights ahead. But this moment will be in our thoughts to keep us going.
“When we were sitting in the helicopter, amongst the kit with the crew explaining to us what they do, it really hit home how important the Charity is.
“Most of the clinicians have spent a lifetime training for their roles, they are incredibly dedicated to saving lives.
“The most important thing for us is completing the race and raising as much money as we can, I don’t want us to limit ourselves to a target.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency critical care.
James said: “Our base visit has highlighted the importance of every single mission, which cost an average £2,900. We want to raise enough money to help cover the cost of as many as we can.
“We all leave our house at some point in the day, we never expect to need the emergency services, especially not the Wales Air Ambulance.
“So, we want to do all we can to help support the service to ensure it is there for people when they need it most. It’s motivating me to do the training, to do the race.”
If you would like to donate to Geoff and James’ fundraising challenge the pair have set up a fundraising page: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/geoffrey-harding?utm_source=enthuse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=f-nurture&utm_content=page&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=enthuse
Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of Income Generation said: “The London Marathon is such an iconic event, and we are grateful that Geoff and James will running in aid of our Charity.
“There is nothing quite like the atmosphere on the day, and as its televised I am sure our team will be keeping an eye out for this dynamic duo.
“This is just one of the many ways Ascona Group founder Darren Briggs and his team have been supporting us over the past few years.
“We are so grateful for our long-standing Charity partnership, which has already helped raise over £250,000 for our lifesaving service.
“That is an extraordinary amount and will help save many lives.”
