A charity aquathlon in Builth Wells has raised £5,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.

The third annual event took place at The Groe on Sunday, August 9, attracting competitors from across the UK.

People travelled from as far as Harrogate and Gosport to take part, with ages ranging from 12 to people in their 70s.

The event was open to all abilities, with three options available.

Competitors could choose between a 200m swim followed by a 3km run, or a 400m swim followed by a 5km run.

There was also a two-person relay, with one person completing the 400m swim and their teammate running 5km.

Wales Air Ambulance regional fundraising manager Hugh Tamlyn also took part.

“It is a hugely popular event, thanks to the organisers, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages getting involved,” he said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the day. A huge thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and participants that made it such a successful event.”

Event co-organiser Helen Tuite said the range of competitors showed the aquathlon was an event for everyone.

“It was wonderful to see such a diverse group coming together, proving this is truly an event for everyone,” she said.

The event was supported by local businesses including Charcroft Electronics in Llanwrtyd Wells and Coyle Surfacing. Other sponsors also provided essential support.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors, we couldn’t have raised this incredible amount for such a vital charity,” the organisers said.

Vicky Mellor, director of Charcroft Electronics, said: “We’re proud to support this fantastic community event for such a worthy cause.”

The Wales Air Ambulance provides emergency medical care across Wales, with its crews able to take hospital-level treatment to patients at the scene of an incident. The service is delivered through a unique partnership between the third and public sectors.

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, travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

The charity says it needs to raise £13m each year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Mr Tamlyn said the money raised by the aquathlon would help the service continue its work.

“Fundraisers, like this one which raised £5,000, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most,” he said.

“We really appreciate the support from Builth Wells Aquathlon committee. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across Wales.”

The event is organised by a group of local volunteers.

Anyone interested in helping with next year's event, or providing corporate sponsorship or match funding, can contact the organisers at: [email protected]