A group of friends who are taking on a 200-mile vintage tractor run in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are feeling ‘even more motivated’ after a base visit with crew.
Martin Beynon, Iwan Hall, Arwel James and Brian Richards who have known each other for over forty years, recently attended the lifesaving service’s headquarters in Dafen.
They described the visit as ‘inspiring’ after learning about its frontline work from on duty
Doctor Jonathan Whelan and Critical Care Practitioner Dewi Thomas.
Martin, a surveyor from Llanedi, has refurbished his 73-year-old Ferguson tractor in time for their challenge in August.
He said: “We are so grateful to the Wales Air Ambulance crew for making time to meet us and talk about their lifesaving service.
“It really hits home, when you hear about the types of jobs that they attend. The skill and professionalism, and the level at which they operate is truly outstanding.
“When you get inside the helicopter and see the kit, they carry you appreciate their capabilities so much more.
“We were shown the LUCAS device which carries out mechanical chest compressions for those suffering a cardiac arrest.
“The team also explained how they carry blood onboard and are able to administer blood transfusions at the scene.”
He added: “The whole experience has been unbelievable! We all feel absolutely privileged to be helping support such a fantastic service, through our tractor run.”
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 £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 lifesaving care.
Llanedi farmer Brian Richards said: “Living in a rural community we hear all the time about people needing the service.
“Coming to the base and hearing the stories, really helped us all have a better understanding of the work being done.
“We were talking to the team one minute, and the next a call came in, and they were off. It was unbelievable to see how swiftly they sprang into action.
“It is so reassuring to know that they are there for the people of Wales, especially those of us working with livestock and equipment every day.”
Arwel, who has been a farmer for over 45 years agreed and added: “We are so lucky to be able to play a small part in raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance.
“This is meaningful for us on two fronts; we want to raise as much as we can for the service as it marks its 25th anniversary.
“But on a personal note, too, back in 1988, we all did a road trip to the Young Farmers AGM in Bournemouth.
“Our good friend Alun Richards was part of the gang, who joined us on that journey. Sadly, he died last year, so this is a tribute to him too, we’ll be reflecting on the good times.”
It’s taken a few years for Martin to his Fergusion tractor, which was used by the group on their first road trip.
Iwan Hall, who is a fencing contractor said: “It’s great for us to all get back together on the old Fergie and do something for such a great cause!
“We’ve known each other for such a long time, it’s hard to comprehend where the years have gone.
“But we’ll have plenty of time to reminisce on the road, as we’ll only be travelling at around 12 miles per hour. We hope the motorists will be patient with us on the trip.
“I am sure they’ll all get behind us, when they realise that we are fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance.”
Fellow original ‘Fergie Boy’, Steve Roberts, was not available to attend the Dafen air base visit but will be taking the wheel during the tractor challenge. The gang will set off on Wednesday 12 August and finish their journey on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager said: “What a joy to welcome the Fergie Boys to our Dafen airbase!
“Our crew thoroughly enjoyed giving them a tour of the helicopter and demonstrating some of the kit they use.
“It’s so important for our supporters to be able to see the service up close and we are always delighted to support engagements like this.
“As a Charity we rely heavily on our fundraisers to be our community champions! They help us raise awareness and ensure that we are always there for the people of Wales.
“Every pound raised makes a lifesaving difference! And we are hugely grateful to all those who have donated so far to this unique tractor run. Diolch yn Fawr!”
