A lifesaving charity is asking the people of Wales to walk 100km across the month of May, as part of an annual campaign.

100km in May is part of the Wales Air Ambulance annual Walk Wales challenge, which allows participants to walk different distances each year while raising funds.

The 2022 challenge is open to people of all ages and the beauty of the virtual challenge allows ‘walkers’ the chance to either get out and about and explore Wales or to get their steps in at home, doing gardening, taking the dog for a walk, or even walking up and down the stairs.

The Wales Air Ambulance celebrated its 21st anniversary on St David’s Day. Now operational 24/7, the charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.

During the last two years the successful Walk Wales event has raised an incredible £56,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance. The 100km in May is approximately 60 miles to clock off in the month.

The challenge will take place during the month of May and entry is free, however, participants are encouraged to fundraiser. Walkers who raise £50 will receive a ‘Walk Wales’ t-shirt and the participants who raise £150 or more will also receive a medal for their efforts.

During the past two years fundraisers of all ages have come out in force to show their support to the lifesaving charity.

Couple Lawrence (52) and Julie Morris, 57, proved that the Wales Air Ambulance’s Walk Wales could be virtually completed anywhere. They raised £779 by ‘walking Wales’ from Cyprus.   

The duo clocked off more than 163 miles for the charity, whilst staying at their second home in Pernera, south-east Cyprus.   

Lawrence said: “We would encourage others to get involved with this fabulous charity whenever possible so they can keep providing this lifesaving service to our communities across the length and breadth of Wales 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Although we’ve done a little bit to raise money it’s really the men and women providing the service that should be applauded.” 

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

Elin Murphy, Events and Partnership Fundraiser, said: “The Wales Air Ambulance is delighted to give participants a chance to take part again in our Walk Wales event. For the past two years the event has been hugely successful and raised an incredible £56,000. Walk Wales has attracted people of all ages who wanted to get fit whilst raising funds for our Charity. This year we’re asking our ‘walkers’ to Walk 100km in May. 

“We would like our supporters to once again put on their walking shoes and take part in this year’s challenge, especially during our 21st anniversary. Walk Wales 2022 is a perfect fundraiser for everyone, including families, and you don’t have to even be in Wales to take part.

“Fundraisers, like this Walk Wales, will help our medics to continue to be there for the people of Wales 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

If you are up for the challenge, then lace up your boots and sign up via the dedicated Walk Wales Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/499914708514299 or you can fundraise via the campaign’s Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/walkwales2022

For more information on Walk Wales 2022 visit www.walesairambulance.com/walk-wales-2022