A couple who completed six ice-swimming races in Finland’s icy waters without swimsuits have visited the charity they supported through their fundraising efforts.
Alistair Bell and Beth Robart travelled to Oulu, Finland to take on the challenge that most people would shy away from.
They took part in the bi-annual Winter Swimming World Championship 2026 between the 2 to 8 March.
Despite the icy conditions, which on the coldest day saw them swim in -0.5°C and the air temperature being -13°C, the duo completed the competition to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Alistair is no stranger to swimming in icy waters; he has previously swum in competitions in the Arctic and Europe during the last nine years. However, Beth, from Swansea, was thrown straight in the deep end by entering the Winter Swimming World Championship 2026.
Following their successful challenge Alistair and Beth were both invited to the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen, where they met the Wales Air Ambulance staff and presented the Charity with the amazing £2,175 that they raised.
Alistair and Beth both work within the trauma sector and said it is likely that their clients would have been saved by the Wales Air Ambulance and that is why they chose to support the Charity.
Alistair, From Tenby, said: “We had an enjoyable time, and we were thrilled to be able to see the base. We have said that we must do another fundraising event for the Charity in the future.”
Reflecting on the wonderful amount they have both raised, Alistair said: “We are really pleased with the amount we have raised and are grateful for the generosity of colleagues and companies within the health and legal sectors. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us.”
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 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.
Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “It was lovely to welcome Alistair and Beth to our Charity’s headquarters following their incredible fundraiser. It was great that they had a chance to hear all about the Charity and how their fundraiser will make a difference to the people of Wales.
“The determined couple took on a challenge that most people wouldn’t want to think about, let alone do and they smashed it! They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.
“Thank you to Alistair and Beth for not only taking on this icy challenge but choosing the Wales Air Ambulance to raise funds for. The Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like this one, will enable us to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”
