Student takes on 350,000-step challenge for Wales Air Ambulance
A STUDENT from Neath is walking 350,000 steps this month to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance after the charity’s crews came to the aid of three people close to him.
Luke Lavercombe, 20, has set himself the challenge of completing almost 12,000 steps a day throughout June in support of the lifesaving service.
The fundraiser was inspired not only by personal experiences but also by reports of rising aviation fuel costs, which have increased financial pressures on the charity.
Luke said: “I chose to take on this challenge after seeing reports that Wales Air Ambulance had recently been facing significantly higher fuel costs, which could potentially impact the lifesaving services they provide.
“Supporting the Charity became even more important to me following a personal experience involving a close friend, who suffered a cardiac arrest after having a seizure. I performed CPR until emergency services arrived, and the Wales Air Ambulance team responded in their rapid response vehicle.
“Their involvement during such a critical situation reinforced just how vital the Charity’s work is, and it inspired me to raise money and awareness in support of them.”
Following the incident, Luke said his friend has made a good recovery and is now doing well.
As part of the challenge, Luke will also tackle Pen y Fan on June 13, a climb he admits will test him.
“I am very much looking forward to the Pen y Fan walk, although I am naturally a little nervous as I have never climbed it before,” he said.
“I know it will be a significant challenge, but one that will be incredibly rewarding.”
Luke has set a fundraising target of £500 and has already raised more than £140.
The Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which delivers advanced critical care across the country by helicopter and rapid response vehicle. Its crews can provide hospital-standard treatments at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.
The service operates through a partnership between the charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), with NHS consultants and critical care practitioners working alongside charity-funded crews.
Christian Sullivan, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, praised Luke’s efforts.
He said: “Good luck to Luke, who is walking an incredible 350,000 steps throughout June. Through his personal experiences, Luke knows how important our service is to the people of Wales. We’re very humbled that he wants to help our Charity.
“The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
“Fundraisers like Luke enable us to continue to be there for the people of Wales, via air or road, when they need us the most.”
The charity attends emergencies across Wales, delivering critical care wherever it is needed, regardless of location.
Anyone wishing to support Luke’s fundraising challenge can donate via his JustGiving page.
