Meleri Walked 100k in May for Wales Air Ambulance

A Carmarthenshire teaching assistant has raised £1,270 for the Wales Air Ambulance by walking 100km in May as part of the Charity’s Walk Wales challenge.

Mum-of-two Meleri Brown put on her walking shoes in aid of the Charity that’s close to her family’s heart after the medics helped save her cousin, Gwyndaf Davies’, life.

Gwyndaf ‘Dafs’ was just 21 when he fell through a roof of a building he was restoring and was airlifted to Morriston Hospital, Swansea. 

Meleri, from Llanpumsaint said: “This Charity is close to my heart and one that in my view I can’t help enough! 13 years ago, we were very fortunate as a family to have the Wales Air Ambulance service! My cousin was airlifted to hospital after an accident when he fell through a roof of a building – we owe a big thank you to the service! Without them the story wouldn’t be so positive today and the outcome would be bleak!

“This service meant that ‘Dafs’ was treated within the ‘golden hour’ which is the most important hour to receive vital treatment! We live in a rural area which depends immensely on the work of the Wales Air Ambulance so supporting this service is vital!”

Walk Wales 2022 -100km in May 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!   

Gwyndaf played his own part in the fundraiser and walked nearly 4 miles with Meleri around Carmarthen park as part of her challenge.

Meleri is no stranger to fundraising for the lifesaving charity – 12 years ago she previously did a big fundraiser by completing a skydive in Swansea for the Wales Air Ambulance – this time she kept her feet firmly on the ground.

The Wales Air Ambulance celebrated its 21st anniversary on St David’s Day 2022. Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep its emergency helicopters flying and its Rapid Response Vehicle’s on the road.

As well as being a part time teaching assistant at Cynwyl Elfed School, Meleri, who lives on their family run farm, also runs her own business from home as a holistic therapist.

Meleri is over the moon to have smashed her original target of £150 for the Charity, she said: “I am overwhelmed by the support and generosity of friends and family which makes me feel proud to be part of my community!  I know that this amount will make a big difference to the Charity whom, will be glad to receive every penny.”

Meleri, who is married to Mathew and mum to Sara,19, and Cerys, 18 has also had the support of the pupils from her school.

She added: “The school children were so happy to help and encourage me on my last mile, they walked with me around the school yard to finish my challenge! Parents have been so supportive too, donating money to help build up my funds! 

“Thanks again to everyone who has contributed, special thanks to my family who have been a great support to enable me to take time away from the farm and running our home for me to give my all to this 100km challenge.”

Elin Wyn Murphy, Events and Partnerships Fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Congratulations to Meleri who managed to complete her challenge with two weeks to spare, whilst working, running a farm and business. Meleri has a personal reason for raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and the support and donations from her friends and family show how much it means to Meleri to complete 100km in May for the Wales Air Ambulance. Meleri has raised an incredible amount for the Wales Air Ambulance. Donations like this one will help the Charity be there for people, like Gwyndaf, when they need us the most. A huge thank you goes to the pupils at Cynwyl Elfed School who have supported Mrs Brown with her challenge. They’re all little superstars.”

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.