A sheep shearer has set a new British eight-hour solo ewe shearing record, whilst raising funds for charity.
Huw Jones, 27, from from Abergynolwyn, Mid Wales, carved his name into the records books after shearing 663 ewes at Hendreseifion Farm, Machynlleth.
The previous record of 539 was held by Martin Howlett.
Whilst setting the record Huw raised £1,045 for the Wales Air Ambulance and Aberdyfi Search and Rescue. He originally set himself a £500 fundraising target, which he smashed.
After months of preparation, the record attempt started at 7am and concluded at 5pm with hundreds of well-wishers in attendance to support and congratulate Huw.
A delighted Huw said: “Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve what I have. There are too many people to name individually, but you all know who you are. Records are not just about the shearer attempting but are very much a team effort. I could not have achieved this without so many people. I thank you so much for the support you have given me.
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 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 lifesaving care.
Huw said: “My family has always supported me to get me where I am today, no matter what I wanted to do, my family has always been there, and I thank them, it means so much. I’d like to mention my grandad, who is sadly no longer with us, but hopefully looking down on me today, he was the one who started me shearing.”
Elaine Orr, Mid Wales Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Congratulations to Huw, what an amazing achievement. He should be extremely proud of his efforts, not only has he broken a British record but he also raised funds for two important causes. Thank you for fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance, we really do appreciate your efforts.
“Fundraisers, like this one, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Huw and his supporters have all played a part in saving lives across Wales.”
There’s still time to donate to Huw’s fundraising page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/recordhuwjones?
