The third annual Builth Wells Charity Aquathlon raised £5,000 for Wales Air Ambulance, drawing participants from as far as Harrogate and Gosport. The event, held at The Groe on Sunday, August 9, welcomed everyone from a 12-year-old to competitors in their 70s, uniting first-timers and seasoned athletes alike.
Event Highlights and Participation
This year’s aquathlon offered three event categories. Individuals could choose between a 200m (eight-length) pool swim followed by a 3k run, or a 400m (16-length) pool swim followed by a 5k run. Two-person teams took part in a relay, with one member swimming 400m and their teammate running 5k.
Hugh Tamlyn, regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance, attended and participated in the event, underscoring its community spirit. Helen Tuite, co-organiser, expressed her delight, saying: “It was wonderful to see such a diverse group coming together, proving this is truly an event for everyone.”
Local Business Support
Local businesses played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Charcroft Electronics in Llanwrtyd Wells, Coyle Surfacing, and other sponsors provided essential support. Organisers commented: “Without the generosity of our sponsors, we couldn’t have raised this incredible amount for such a vital charity.” Vicky Mellor, director at Charcroft Electronics, added: “We’re proud to support this fantastic community event for such a worthy cause.”
Wales Air Ambulance Services
The Wales Air Ambulance service is consultant-led, delivering hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if necessary, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It operates through a unique partnership between the third sector and the public sector. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides 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 at the scene of an incident. As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care, regardless of where they are based.
Fundraising Impact and Future Plans
Hugh Tamlyn continued: “I was delighted to take part in the annual aquathlon. It is a hugely popular event, thanks to the organisers, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages getting involved. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. A huge thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and participants that made it such a successful event.”
“The Wales Air Ambulance relies on public donations to raise 13 million pounds every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like this one which raised £5,000, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We really appreciate the support from Builth Wells Aquathlon committee. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across Wales.”
The Aquathlon is organised by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Those interested in getting involved or providing corporate sponsorship or match funding for next year’s event can contact builthaquathlon@gmail.com.
