A FUNERAL DIRECTOR is taking on a mammoth cycling challenge in aid of Wales Air Ambulance this Spring in memory of his ‘big-hearted’ uncle who he says, ‘would do anything, for anyone.’
27-year-old Steffan Lloyd-Castle from Ystalyfera has worked for the family-run Roger Castle and Daughter Funeral Directors for nine years.
He said: “It is ‘devastating to lose someone you love suddenly. My uncle Kevin was a much adored and loving husband of my auntie Julie. He was a wonderful father to Hannah and a father-figure to me.
“When I first started working for my auntie, if there were any out of hour call outs I got to be with Kevin. He had his own haulage company, but for the first six or seven years of my career we often teamed up.”
He continued: “He was a loving husband and a wonderful dad to his daughter Hannah, they idolised each other.
“Kevin was not one for a big fuss, he did not like to be the centre of attention. So, if he knew I was talking about him and doing a fundraiser in his memory he would be playing it down.
“He was the same about birthdays; he had just turned sixty and we were all looking forward to a family meal to celebrate. But sadly, we never got the chance.”
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Kevin was driving his ‘beloved lorry’ on the Llanharry Road near Pontyclun when he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at the wheel. Wales Air Ambulance were among the emergency services that attended.
Steffan said: “It was such a big shock for the whole family. We are so grateful to all those who attended my uncle and tried to help him. I cannot thank the Wales Air Ambulance team enough, for all they did.”
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 £13 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.
Steffan recently visited the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen and met clinicians, describing it as ‘an emotional experience.’
He said: “My girlfriend Jess is an A and E nurse at Morriston Hospital, my father-in-law is a paramedic and sister-in-law Sarah, works in a Critical Care Unit.
“So, I have the upmost respect for all those who work in frontline healthcare, they deserve a pat on the back.”
He continued: “Nobody wants to need the Wales Air Ambulance, but if you do, it is reassuring to know the medics onboard have the skills to save your life.
“Just meeting everyone and listening to them talking about what they do, it’s so humbling.”
He added: “Nothing could be done to help my uncle, but I know he would want others to have the best chance of survival.
“His legacy, is that he has inspired me to get on my bike, to help raise as much money as I can and hopefully make a difference.”
Steffan, who usually plays rugby for Abercraf Rugby Club says his training plan is ‘intense.’ He is sacrificing pitch time to dedicate more hours to cycling.
He has done half iron mans, and loves keeping in shape, but admits the 416-mile challenge is going to put his fitness to the ‘ultimate test’.
Steffan said: “I will fly with my girlfriend Jess from Bristol on Sunday the 6th of June. She will be keeping across all our social media platforms throughout the journey.
“My friend and colleague Andrew Lane is part of my road crew, he will be driving up – transporting the bike, nutrition and extra kit and Jess will be joining him on the challenge.
“I love Edinburgh, so we are starting at the Castle ending the day with a stop at Carlisle. Then it is on to Preston, where will stay overnight, followed by Shrewsbury. The final leg will take me back into Wales and through the Brecon Beacons.
“I’m going to be starving after all of that, so I am hoping there will be a massive spread of food waiting when Andrew and I arrive at Abercraf Rugby Club!”
Steffan has set up a JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steffancastlebikeride) and hopes to raise £3,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
Christian Sullivan, Regional Fundraising Manager for South West Wales said: “It has been wonderful to welcome Steffan to the base at Dafen and introduce him to the team.
“It is always deeply moving to meet the family members of those we have attended but who have sadly passed away.
“Kevin sounds like a wonderful family man, who clearly went out of his way to help others. This has inspired Steffan to create a special legacy in memory of his uncle which will go on to help save many lives.
“I am in awe of his training regime, and courage to take on such a big challenge covering three nations in four days. It is no easy feat! But I look forward to being part of the welcoming party on the finish line!”
