A south Wales firefighter has completed 8 half marathons in 8 consecutive days for a lifesaving charity.
Paul Volkes, from Pontyclun, raised an amazing £680 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, after Paul’s friends received critical care from the Wales Air Ambulance crew.
He also wanted to support the Charity after learning about the fuel funding pressures it is currently facing due to rising aviation fuel costs, caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Paul said: “This Charity means a lot to a few of my friends who unfortunately have been on the receiving end of the critical care given by the crews. The fuel funding pressures has also made raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance more important than ever.”
Dad-of-two Paul is no stranger to pushing his body to the limits; after being inspired by Kevin Sinfield’s Motor Neurone Disease challenges he previously ran 7 half marathons in 7 days for the charity.
He said: “This year I wanted to do something similar for a different charity, so thought I would just make it slightly harder than my last one!
“I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit and have always run but not half marathon distances, unless I’m doing these challenges!”
Despite the weather being ‘grim’ to start the half marathons, Paul then ended the challenge during a heatwave.
He said: “I really enjoyed every run, most mornings I had someone who wanted to run or ride a bike alongside me, which definitely helped.
“I feel extremely grateful to everyone who donated towards this fundraiser, especially in these tough economic times and I’m blown away by everyone’s generosity.”
The 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 lifesaving care.
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Congratulations to Paul for recently completing 8 half marathons in 8 days, which is incredible. We’re extremely grateful to Paul for wanting to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance after the Charity’s crew came to the aid of his friends.
“Paul set himself a challenge that most people would shy away from, and he raised a fantastic £680 for our all-Wales Charity.
“Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. This fundraiser will help us reach that yearly target.
“Thank you to everyone who supported Paul with his fundraiser. You have all played a part in saving lives across Wales.”
