Fundraisers across Wales came together to walk the Gower coastline in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance led by Welsh rugby legend James Hook.
Over 70 walkers of all ages, took on the terrain of 10 miles from Oxwich to Mumbles or the 3 mile walk from Caswell Bay to Mumbles to raise much-needed funds.
Past patients also joined the walkers on the day including Anthony Crothers, whose life was saved in October 2024. Anthony, who suffered a cardiac arrest at Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, took on the 3 miles hike, which is the furthest he has walked since his cardiac arrest.
Dewi Thomase, a medic on board Wales Air Ambulance also took part in the 10-mile hike.
As well as the in-person Walk Wales with James Hook, there is another event currently taking place for this year’s Walk Wales. People across Wales are currently tying up their shoes laces and walking 60 miles throughout the month.
The virtual Walk Wales fundraiser allows participants to walk, jog or run, different distances each year, whilst raising funds.
As well as taking part in the in-person event James has challenged himself to complete the 60 miles during this month.
The Charity’s ambassador James Hook said: “I really enjoyed the day, everyone loved it and the turnout was amazing. It was great to speak to past patients and Dewi the medic and hearing their stories. I enjoyed just chatting to friends, family and people I haven’t met before on the walk and them saying how much they loved it. It was an amazing event, I also loved it and I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
During the last five years the successful Walk Wales event has raised an incredible £119,000 for the cause.
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 £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 lifesaving care.
Gail Windley, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Well done to all the walkers who came together to raise funds for our lifesaving Charity. It was lovely to see people of all ages, from children to adults, who were a mixture of avid walkers and people who wanted to set themselves the challenge of walking the 10 or 3 miles.
“A huge thank you to James who is a wonderful ambassador of the Charity and spent time with the walkers throughout the challenge. His support is incredible, not just during this walk but on a daily basis.
“Fundraisers, like this mass participation one, will help to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road for the people of Wales when they need us the most. Thank you to everyone who took part or sponsored the walkers. You’ve all played a part in helping save lives across the country.”
James would like to thank The Secret and Lighthouse Restaurant for their support following his events.
You can show your support to James by donating to his JustGiving page James Hook is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust.
