Two Welsh urban explorers who regularly document their travels on Facebook and Instagram have hitchhiked 550 miles in five days raising vital funds for two lifesaving charities.
Jamie Andrews, known as “Abandoned Explore Wales” and Shaun Kendrick who goes by the handle “Urban Welsh Explorer”, embarked on a challenge in July in aid of Wales Air Ambulance and the Paul Sartori Foundation.
The dynamic duo ‘faced soaring temperatures’ with the thermometer hitting 31 degrees Celsius and were ‘overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown’ by each community.
“When we started planning this adventure this time last year, we did not anticipate that we were about to experience one of the hottest summers this century”, Jamie said.
“We are both from Haverfordwest, so set off up the West coast, and made our way across Wales. We were totally dependent on strangers, wanting to support us, and they came out in force.
“Out of the 550 miles covered, we walked 68 miles, so, it wasn’t as easy as people thought. We wanted to make sure we visited as many towns and cities as possible and got in a bit of sightseeing too.”
The pair added to their challenge by carrying backpacks which weighed in at around 17 kilograms, just a kilo less than the average weight of a critical care practitioners, medical kit bag.
Jamie said: “It was so heavy! We take our hats off to the crew who wear flight suits, as well as carry equipment in all sorts of weather, across different terrain.
“We wanted to mimic what it is like for them, and we can tell you, it isn’t easy walking a few miles with that on your back.”
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.
“It’s an incredible service, and we are really pleased to have raised just over £1,200 for Wales Air Ambulance”, said Jamie.
The father of six is a shop assistant at Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent forecourt operators, which has been a proud supporter of Wales Air Ambulance since 2022.
As part of its £1million fundraising pledge, the business has already raised more than £400,000 towards its target.
Jamie who has worked for the company for four years said: “Our team has been very supportive; my colleagues have been great donating to our Go Fund Me page and sending messages of support.”
Shaun, 44, a milk tanker driver for Gregory Group has helped raise funds for the Paul Sartori Foundation which offers end of life care to cancer patients. His mum benefited from the support it provides before she sadly passed away last November.
“We all have such busy lives, and it is often difficult to take time to reflect and grieve. So, this challenge, gave me time to get away from it all, and do something with a sense of purpose.”
He was ‘amazed’ at the number of people who approached him during the walk to talk to about the work of Wales Air Ambulance.
He said: “On four occasions, we got lifts from drivers who had needed the service themselves.
“It was really eye opening to hear stories about family members and friends who would not be alive today without the help of Wales Air Ambulance.”
Jamie and Shaun, say the whole experience has inspired them both to ‘take on an even bigger challenge’ in aid of the Charity next year.
“We are doing Europe and Wales! We want to go bigger and better in 2027, we have a few ideas, so will start plotting our next adventure very soon.”
You can follow the adventures of Urban Welsh Explorer and Abandoned Explore Wales on Facebook.
Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of Income Generation said: “I think most of us would love to be as adventurous as Jamie and Shaun!
“It’s wonderful that they have turned their passion to take in all the towns and cities of Wales into a fundraiser in aid of Wales Air Ambulance and the Paul Sartori Foundation.
“We are delighted that this summer’s road trip, has inspired them to go even bigger next year, with a European adventure, to raise money for us once again. “Thank you to everyone who supported their journey and donated. Every pound raised makes a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
