A South Wales man has become the youngest person to run seven ultra-marathons, in seven continents, in just seven weeks!
Morgan Thompson, who works for the British Antarctic Survey, has raised over £10,400 for the Wales Air Ambulance after taking on the huge challenge.
With the blessing and support of his employers Morgan has completed 50km runs in Rothera (Antarctica), Patagonia (South America), New York (North America), Casablanca (Africa), Singapore (Asia), Sydney (Australasia) and he returned back to Wales for the final European leg in Tenby.
Morgan Thompson, who grew up on a farm outside Merthyr Tydfil and went to school in Cardiff, is enjoying being back home and having a rest.
He said: “I’m definitely relieved it’s over now! I really enjoyed the whole experience, but I can safely say there won’t be any more ultramarathons for me for a little while.
“Since completing the challenge, I’ve felt a mix of pride and genuine gratitude. It was tough, but the support from so many people has been incredible. Seeing so many get behind it and knowing the funds raised will make a real difference definitely made it all worth it.”
The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
Incredibly, after reaching his original fundraising target of £4,000, Morgan hoped to raise £7,000 for the all-Wales Charity and smashed that target.
He added: “The amount raised has been overwhelming. I’m incredibly grateful for the support. Every single donation motivated me to keep pushing myself.
“It’s been a real privilege to represent such a worthwhile Charity and to see how generous and encouraging people have been.”
Morgan, 23, who is currently working his first season with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as a Station General Assistant at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica, said: “The idea started when I thought it would be pretty epic to run my first marathon in Antarctica. From there, I decided to go all in and turn it into something bigger – combining my love of travel, adventure, and pushing myself with raising money for a cause close to my heart.
“It’s been an incredible experience working down here, and I couldn’t have taken on this challenge without all the support from BAS.”
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.
Reflecting on why he wanted to support the lifesaving Charity, Morgan said: “Wales Air Ambulance is absolutely vital. Growing up, I’d often see the helicopters flying overhead and be in awe.
“Over the years, friends and family have needed their services, and I’ve seen firsthand just how crucial it is to be able to reach remote parts of Wales. It’s a charity that serves the whole country and saves lives. That makes Wales Air Ambulance a charity I’m proud to have represented.”
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South Wales, said: “Morgan has done incredibly well with his epic challenge of completing seven ultra-marathons in seven continents in just seven weeks, all in aid of our lifesaving Charity, which we’re extremely grateful of.
“It’s a challenge that most people would shy away from but Morgan’s determination to complete his fundraiser, whilst raising much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance was amazing. He is a wonderful supporter of our lifesaving Charity and he has raised an amazing amount for us. We massively appreciate the effort Morgan has gone to, to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and we’re delighted he’s the youngest person to complete this challenge. He should be extremely proud of himself.
“Fundraisers, like Morgan’s, will help us continue to be there for the people of Wales when they ned us most. Thank you to everyone who donated to Morgan’s fundraiser.”
There’s still time to show your recognition by donating to Morgan’s JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/morgan-thompson-2
