Gym Friends Conquer 100k Challenge & Raise Thousands For Wales Air Ambulance

A group of friends from Wrexham have raised enough money to fund over three lifesaving helicopter missions across Wales after taking on a gruelling 100k trek for charity.

Alex Maggs, Rachel Wykie, Paula Tudor and Vicky Warburton, who are gym friends from Wrexham completed the 100k South Coast Challenge in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.

The group of friends walked day and night from Eastbourne to Arundel, following the South Downs Way, to collect donations for the Welsh helicopter charity.

Their fundraising has raised in excess of £4,800 for the charity, enough to fund several of their lifesaving missions across Wales.

Vicky said: “It was an amazing personal journey, beating the odds on what was the hottest August Bank Holiday weekend for some time.

“We suffered blisters, heat exhaustion, fatigue and pain, but we all supported each other.

“The best part was, without a doubt, the feeling of achievement, elation and immense pride as we all crossed the finish line together as a team.

“We all managed to cross together to grab a well-earned glass of fizz and a finishers medal.”

Each of Wales Air Ambulance’s lifesaving missions costs around £1,500 and the charity needs to raise £6 million every year to keep its helicopters flying.

On the August bank holiday, the group tackled the rough terrain of the trail, trekking for 27 hours to raise lifesaving donations for the charity.

They were put to the test on the undulating path along South Downs Way, walking for 100k through stunning scenery to collect sponsorship for Wales Air Ambulance.

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Alex, Rachel, Paula and Vicki, for their outstanding support.

“We would not be able to complete our missions if it weren’t for the dedicated support of people like Alex, Rachel, Paula and Vicky.

“Only through kind donations are we able to keep our services running, and we are incredibly touched that they would take on such a huge challenge in aid of WAA.

“Their fundraising is enough to fund several missions, meaning that we can be there for the people of Wales in their hour of need.”

More information on the work carried out by Wales Air Ambulance and how you can donate to the charity can be found on its website.