A GROUP of seven Flintshire friends hiked an incredible 4,167 metres up Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, in aid of a lifesaving charity.
The team, Andrew Cresswell, Jason Pryce, Stephen Hopwood, Peter Collings, Stephen Collings, Bryn Jones and Charles Pinkstone self-funded the challenge and raised a wonderful £2,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance.
The team’s challenge, of conquering Mount Toubkal, which is 13,671ft tall, was delayed for a year following an earthquake.
They finally put on their hiking boots last month to raise funds for the Charity. Stephen, who works for Beaumont Construction, suggested the group fundraise for Wales Air Ambulance after completing some work for the Charity.
Reflecting on the fundraiser, Andrew said: “Wales Air Ambulance delivers lifesaving services, often reaching remote areas. By raising funds, we’re supporting their remarkable work and helping ensure they can continue saving lives. Our goal is to not only aid individuals but also entire communities who may one day rely on the critical services the Wales Air Ambulance provides.”
The team more than doubled their original fundraising target of £1,000. A delighted Andrew continued: “The fundraising was a great success! The support from everyone was amazing, and it was truly touching to see so many people share our commitment to such an important cause.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply proud of the amount we’ve raised. It’s amazing to see how much support we’ve received for such a vital cause. Knowing that the funds will directly contribute to saving lives through the Wales Air Ambulance’s lifesaving service makes the effort of the hike completely worth it. It’s truly humbling to have been part of something that will have such a lasting impact.”
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. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. 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.
Deb Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager said: “Congratulations to Andrew, Jason, Stephen, Peter, Stephen, Bryn and Charles on reaching the summit. Despite the disappointment of their climb being put back a year, the men never let that phase them and were eager to take on the huge challenge this year.
“They’ve raised an incredible amount for our Charity, which we are extremely grateful for. Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers like this one will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”
