Race To The Stones

A volunteer coastguard rescue officer has raised over £1,500 by completing the ultra-marathon Race To The Stones.

Last month Nigel Williams, 39, from Milford Haven, joined over 3,400 runners and walkers to take on one of the UK’S most popular endurance events.

The event, which has been voted the UK’s Best Endurance Event for the past three years, was 100km long along Rideway in Oxfordshire to Avebury in Wiltshire. Nigel completed the ultra-marathon at 4am with a finishing time of 20 hours and 32 mins.

He has raised £1,574 which will be split between the Wales Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Association, the funds included £250 for each charity from Nigel’s employers Valero Pembroke Refinery.

Nigel said: “This was a massive challenge which took a lot of time to train for, so I’m happy I completed it. This was an amazing experience with a finishing time of 20hrs 32mins. I was planning on doing the run anyway, so I decided to do it for worthy charities. 

“I’ve seen the Wales Air Ambulance operating in the area many times and it is such an amazing service to have available. I decided to do my run for both the Wales Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Association.”

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.

The Valero Pembroke Refinery inspector is grateful for the support he has received, he added: “I have had amazing support from my family and friends and I would like to say thank you to them.

“I raised a lot more than I thought was possible. The money will be split 50/50 between the charities.”

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “A huge congratulations to Nigel on competing Race To The Stones in the amazing time of 20hrs 32mins. His determination and commitment to the event is shown by the support and donations that he has received from family, friends and his workplace – Valero Pembroke Refinery. Thank you for supporting us and for raising over £1,500 for two important charities. Every penny you’ve raised will help people who need the Wales Air Ambulance across Wales.”

There’s still time to show your support to Nigel by donating to his fundraising page – Nigel Williams

Race To The Stones 100km https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NigelRTTS

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.