A Rhayader farmer has helped raise £24,000 for charity after breaking British shearing records over the summer.

Gethin Lewis, from Rhayader, and Llyr Evans from Aberystwyth stunned the shearing world when they set a new 8-Hour Two-Stand British Ewe Shearing Record at Gethin’s family farm in July. In sweltering summer heat, the pair sheared a total of 1,364 ewes between 7am and 5pm, with Gethin also claiming the individual record by shearing 696 ewes in eight hours.

The previous solo record of 663 ewes, set by Huw Jones just a week earlier, was also surpassed by Llyr, who sheared 668 ewes. The extraordinary achievement drew widespread attention at the time, and now the effort has yielded another remarkable result - a £24,000 donation for two vital charities.

Gethin and Llyr presented cheques for £12,000 each to Wales Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research at the Winter Fair in Builth Wells. For Gethin, the charity fundraising had a personal connection: his father, Rob Lewis, suffered a fractured spine after being attacked by a cow while feeding a calf, and was airlifted to Cardiff by the Wales Air Ambulance in just 24 minutes.

For Llyr, whose father was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017, the challenge was also a way to support a cause close to home.

Gethin said: “This record would not have been possible without the help and support of both our families. Thank you, it means so much to us both that we have achieved what we have.

“We’d also like to pay tribute to the support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually. From the farmers supplying the sheep, pen men that were here with us all day, the wool wrappers, and all our family and friends – a huge thank you.”

Gethin’s dad, Rob, added: “The service Wales Air Ambulance provides to rural parts of Wales is imperative, making an impact on patients recovery including the difference between life and death.”

The Wales Air Ambulance delivers hospital-standard care to patients at the scene and, if needed, transfers them to the most appropriate hospital. Operated through a unique third sector and public-sector partnership, it relies on public donations to raise £13 million annually to keep thier helicopters in the air and vehicles on the road.

Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Congratulations to Llyr and Gethin for smashing the British shearing record, which is a huge achievement.

“A huge thank you to Gethin and Llyr who have both raised an incredible amount of money for two very important charities.

“Gethin has a personal connection to the Wales Air Ambulance after his father needed the help of our Charity. I was delighted to meet both men, give a talk about our work and be presented with the cheque of £12,000. Thank you to everyone who supported Gethin and Llyr in their record-breaking fundraiser, you’ve all played a part in saving lives across Wales, which is incredible.”