A student from Neath is taking on a 350,000-step challenge this month to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance, the all-Wales lifesaving charity.
This week Luke Lavercombe, 20, started his walking fundraiser, which will see him complete almost 12,000 steps a day for the Wales Air Ambulance, after its medics came to the aid of three people close to him during the last five years.
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.
Luke said: “I chose to take on this challenge after seeing reports that Wales Air Ambulance had recently been facing significantly higher fuel costs, which could potentially impact the lifesaving services they provide.
“Supporting the Charity became even more important to me following a personal experience involving a close friend, who suffered a cardiac arrest after having a seizure. I performed CPR until emergency services arrived, and the Wales Air Ambulance team responded in their rapid response vehicle.
“Their involvement during such a critical situation reinforced just how vital the Charity’s work is, and it inspired me to raise money and awareness in support of them.
“This challenge means a lot to me personally, and I am proud to be raising money for such an incredible charity.”
Following the medical emergency, Luke’s friend is now doing well.
As part of his challenge, Luke will climb Pen y Fan on Saturday 13 June. He said he is looking forward to the challenge, despite expecting some tough days ahead.
“I am very much looking forward to the Pen y Fan walk, although I am naturally a little nervous as I have never climbed it before. I know it will be a significant challenge, but one that will be incredibly rewarding.”
Luke has set himself the fundraising target of £500 and has already raised an amazing £143 for the Charity close to his heart.
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 critical care.
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Good luck to Luke, who is walking an incredible 350,000 steps throughout June. Through his personal experiences, Luke knows how important our service is to the people of Wales. We’re very humbled that he wantshe wanted to help our Charity.
“The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise £13 million required every year to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Fundraisers, like Luke, enable us to continue to be there for the people of Wales, via air or road, when they need us the most.
“We wish Luke good luck with his fundraising and hope his family and friends support him with the challenge.”
People can support Luke’s fundraiser by donating via his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/luke-lavercombe-1777917347294
