Despite the wet weather cyclists from all over Wales came together to take part in this year’s Wales Air Ambulance’s Cycle 100km fundraising challenge.
The successful event saw ex-Welsh and British and Irish Lions rugby legend Shane Williams MBE jump on the saddle with over 70 participants raising £15,000 for the all-Wales lifesaving Charity.
The event, which took place on Sunday 7 September, saw participants cycle from Cardiff to Llanelli, taking in Bridgend Port Talbot and Swansea en route to the finish line at the Charity’s headquarters.
It was the second mass-participation cycle event the Charity has hosted, which saw a variety of different cycling abilities enter. Seasoned cyclists were joined by first-time racers, the event was aimed at having fun, enjoying the scenic views, whilst raising vital funds for the Charity.
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.
As well as cycling with Shane Williams, the participants were joined by Wales Air Ambulance medic Dr Fliss Clarke who jumped on her bike to take on the challenge.
Dr Clarke, who recently took up cycling again in her late forties, said: “We couldn’t do our jobs if people didn’t come out and do fundraisers like this. Our supporters keep the Wales Air Ambulance going, It is what keeps us flying and we know how much it costs every mission. We couldn’t do the job without the support of fundraisers, so thank you so much.
“The Cycle 100km ride was really good and everyone supported each other. There were some really good riders, some beginners but everybody helped each other get through it.”
Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Nina Rice, Head of Fundraising – High Value Partnerships for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted with the turnout for our second mass-participant fundraiser – Cycle 100km. Despite the weather not being kind on the day the riders were determined to take part and complete the challenge in aid of our all-Wales Charity. A huge thank you to Shane Williams for once again supporting the Charity, we really appreciate your continued support.
“The cyclists knew that every stride they took during the challenge will enable our all-Wales service to deliver advanced critical care across Wales. You have all played a part in saving lives across Wales. Thank you so much for supporting us and raising £15,000.”
