Wales Air Ambulance consultant Ben Eagle, an intensive care specialist and outdoor enthusiast, is urging cyclists to sign up for the charity's Cycle 100 challenge. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, will see riders cycle from Cardiff to the charity's airbase in Dafen. Eagle, who is also a consultant intensivist at Swansea Bay University Health Board and a member of the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), will join four other crew members on the start line.
A Lifesaving Challenge
Eagle, 44, describes the Cycle 100 as a crucial fundraiser. "It is so important to give back and support this incredible charity! Without it, I would not be able to do what I do," he said. He participated in the first Cycle 100 in 2023 and immediately signed up again. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the riders, supporters and sponsors and hope we all raise lots of money for the charity."
From Environmental Science to Emergency Medicine
Eagle's path to becoming a consultant was unconventional. He initially earned a degree in Environmental Science and a Master's in Hydrogeology, working as an environmental consultant and researcher at Sheffield University. However, a series of climbing accidents in 2007 changed his direction. "I had a few climbing accidents, the worst was a nine-metre fall straight on to the ground, and I had to be airlifted," he recalled. "I was lucky I did not break anything, but I still have a nasty scar on the back of my head. It could have been so much worse." After being involved in multiple incidents within six months, including a tent fire at a running event, he realised he wanted a people-based career in medicine.
In 2007, he applied to the four-year Post Graduate Medical Degree at Swansea University and was accepted. He later dual-trained in anaesthetics and intensive care, and by 2017 he secured a clinical observer position with EMRTS, which ignited his passion for pre-hospital critical care. "If someone had told me ten years ago, I would end up where I am in my career, I would not have believed them. This is my dream job," he said.
The Cycle 100 Event
The Cycle 100 challenge is a key fundraiser for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, which relies on public donations to raise the £13 million needed annually to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. The charity provides consultant-led pre-hospital emergency care, with EMRTS supplying highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who can administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions, and conduct minor operations at the scene. As a pan-Wales service, crews travel across the country to deliver life-saving care.
Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance Events and Partnerships fundraiser, expressed gratitude for Eagle's support. "We are so grateful for Ben's support once again and look forward to seeing him on the Cycle 100 start line! His journey to becoming a clinician and working for our life-saving service is truly inspiring, he had a dream and went for it. Every pound raised will make a lifesaving difference! Diolch yn fawr!"
Eagle, who enjoys rock climbing and mountain biking in his spare time, also values road cycling with his father and hopes to convince him to join the event. Despite juggling multiple roles, he remains committed to fundraising. "The people of Wales are the beneficiaries of the service! We are there for them when they need us, so it is so important to fundraise and raise awareness."
Registration for the Cycle 100 is now open, with riders of all abilities encouraged to participate. Every mile cycled helps secure the charity's ability to deliver emergency medical care across Wales.
