Strongman champion Gavin ‘The Bull’ Bilton is urging supporters to get behind Wales Air Ambulance as he competes at The Official Wales Strongest Man competition this weekend.
The 37-year-old from Caerphilly, one of the UK’s most recognisable strongmen, will take to the arena at the Vale Arena on Sunday, 11 October, while helping to raise funds and awareness for the lifesaving charity he partnered with earlier this year.
Gavin is hoping the strongman community will rally behind the cause through donations and support on the day.
He said: “I am hoping the strongman family will get behind me this weekend and support Wales Air Ambulance.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have such a loyal following at every competition. This Sunday, I’m counting on them to help me raise as much as possible for this amazing lifesaving service.
“I’d be hugely grateful if everyone attending The Official Wales Strongest Man competition could drop some coins, or even better, notes, into the charity buckets. Every donation will help make a difference.”
The charity holds special significance for Gavin after Wales Air Ambulance helped save the life of his father, Berwyn, following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorbike and a car.
Wales Air Ambulance and Welsh Ambulance Service crews attended the scene, with both Helimed 57 and Helimed 67 responding after a critical care team was requested.
Due to a reduced level of consciousness and the need for specialist neuroprotective care, Berwyn was placed under general anaesthetic at the roadside before being transferred directly to a major trauma centre.
He suffered a bleed on the brain, as well as injuries to his hands and feet, and spent several days in a coma. Following treatment at the University Hospital of Wales, he was later transferred to Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Caerphilly.
Reflecting on the experience, Gavin said: “I will be forever grateful to Wales Air Ambulance for saving my dad’s life. It’s such a shock when something so devastating happens to someone you love.
“We will never be able to thank the team enough for everything they did that day. The best way I can show my appreciation is by fundraising and raising awareness whenever I can.
“Earlier this summer, we held a bucket collection at Caerphilly’s Strongest Man at my Area 51 Gym in Bedwas. It’s fantastic to be teaming up with the Charity again this weekend, and I’m delighted they’ll have a stand at the Vale Arena.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, bringing hospital-standard treatment to patients 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 £13 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.
Christian Sullivan, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Wales Air Ambulance is hugely grateful to be attending this special event as Gavin’s chosen charity.
“You cannot help but be in awe of the athletes competing this weekend. The dedication, commitment and discipline required to reach competition level is extraordinary.
“We’re incredibly excited to be part of what promises to be a fantastic day and are looking forward to the electric atmosphere at the Vale Arena.
“Every pound donated by strongman supporters will help us continue delivering lifesaving critical care across Wales. Diolch yn fawr.”
