A cyclist taking on an endurance challenge in memory of his brother Hugo, is visiting two Wales Air Ambulance bases as part of his UK tour.
Thomas Yaxley is covering over 2,500 km and 25,000 m of elevation as part of the Ride4Hugo Air Base Challenge 2025.
Tom is visiting every single air ambulance charity in the UK and arrived in North West Wales on Monday 4 August 2025, with his first stop Caernarfon Airport.
He aims to be at Wales Air Ambulance Heliport in Cardiff on Friday, 8 August.
Tom said: “It’s great to finally get to meet the Wales Air Ambulance team and spend time with them.
“We have a family home in South Wales, so I have a special connection with the service because of that. Plus, the Charity relies on its supporters to help raise the money needed to keep the service operating.
“They do such an incredible job coming to the aid of patients across Wales and I hope that my challenge will shine a light on what they do.”
He added: “I’ve had such a wonderful welcome, as soon as I hit the road along Holyhead to Caernarfon people were coming up to me and wishing me luck.
“It’s been wonderful to hear how much they value and support 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 Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 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 critical care.
Tom is undertaking the incredible challenge to mark five years since the crash that tragically killed his brother Hugo and changed his family’s life forever.
He said: “Hugo loved adventure and believed in doing things differently. Five years on, I wanted to do something bold, something that reflects his energy – and gives back to the organisations that supported us and mirror Hugo’s passions.
“Nobody’s ever taken on this challenge before – it’s going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what so many families go through when facing tragedy.”
The journey which has never attempted before — has been submitted for a Guinness World Record.
Three organisations are among the beneficiaries, which include Air Ambulances UK – the national charity championing and supporting the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities.
Place2Be, delivers mental health support in schools and the HvH ARTS (Sir Hubert Von Herkomer Arts Foundation) offers access to the arts for children and young people.
Tom is supporting HvH ARTS as it was a charity close to the heart of his Auntie Helen McCrory, best known for her performance in Peaky Blinders.
Elaine Orr, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “It’s such an honour for us to welcome Tom and introduce him to our team.
“We’ve been following his journey and have been deeply moved by his mission to raise awareness and funds for air ambulance charities across the UK.
“This is such a special tribute in memory of his brother Hugo, who sounds like an incredible person and his wonderful aunt Helen, who was outstandingly talented.”
She added: “We wish Tom all the absolute best as he continues his journey across Wales and journeys on to connect with our counterparts in England.
“Events like this really help put the spotlight on the work we do, day in and day out. Every pound raised will help saves lives across the UK.”
Lindsay Boswell, Interim CEO at Air Ambulances UK, said: “Ride4Hugo is an incredible tribute to Hugo and an extraordinary challenge. Thomas’s determination and the scale of this ride are inspiring.
“The money raised will support the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, ensuring more families get the critical care and chance that was offered to the Yaxley family.
“We are proud to be one of the charities supported and we’ll be cheering Tom on at every stage.”
Tom hopes to raise ten thousand pounds for his chosen charities and has a Givewheel page where supporters are invited to donate: Ride4Hugo 2025 – GiveWheel
