A team of school staff from Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron have raised £2,528 for the Wales Air Ambulance after completing a 24-mile walking challenge along the Ceredigion coast from Aberystwyth to New Quay. Despite a recent heatwave, the group set off early in the morning to tackle the demanding coastal path, demonstrating determination and community spirit.
Challenge Details and Fundraising Success
The walk, which covered the scenic but challenging coastal route, was completed by staff members who wanted to support the vital charity. The Wales Air Ambulance provides advanced hospital treatments directly to patients at emergency scenes using helicopters and road vehicles. Their highly skilled medical experts can perform minor operations, give blood transfusions, and put patients to sleep before moving them to the best hospital.
Nia Jones, head of sixth form, said: “It was definitely a challenge, but we thoroughly enjoyed the day. We were incredibly lucky to receive fantastic support along the route from local businesses and individuals, whose kindness and encouragement kept us going. The sense of teamwork and community spirit made the day really special.”
Community Support Boosts Total
The initial fundraising target was exceeded, with the total rising from £2,158 to over £2,500 thanks to continued generosity. Nia added: “We were absolutely delighted to have raised £2,158 initially, and thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters, that total has now risen to over £2,500. It's an incredible amount, and we're so grateful to everyone who donated, sponsored us or supported us along the way.”
The staff team expressed their gratitude to everyone who sponsored them or helped during the journey, emphasizing that community kindness made a massive difference. “We chose to support Wales Air Ambulance because it is such a vital charity that provides lifesaving care across Wales, and we wanted to give something back to a service that could one day help any one of us, our families or our community,” Nia continued.
Charity's Lifesaving Mission
The Wales Air Ambulance operates across the whole of Wales, delivering emergency care particularly in rural areas. The money raised by the school will help keep the service's lifesaving vehicles operational. Emily Bell, regional fundraising coordinator, visited the school to collect the donation cheque. She said: “It was wonderful to visit the school and meet the team who took on the 24-mile challenge along the demanding coastal path. Despite the heatwave they all put their hearts and souls into the challenge to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.”
Emily added: “You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. You’ve raised an incredible amount of money for our lifesaving charity.” The helicopter charity needs to raise £13 million each year to keep its emergency services running. Public fundraising events are essential to ensure the team can continue to help people in their darkest hours. Emily further stated: “The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million each year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like this one, will ensure we continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Diolch yn fawr pawb.”
Donations can still be made through the school's digital fundraising page to support their efforts.
