A fundraising challenge in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance is being held by a Pembrokeshire sporting club tomorrow (Saturday) in recognition of the service’s vital help given to two members involved in a near-fatal road accident.
Husband and wife Mike and Paula Smith were critically injured in the crash on the Red Roses by-pass the day before Christmas Eve when they were both airlifted to hospital.
After spending many weeks in hospital, the couple are now both completing their recovery at their home in Begelly.
Mr Smith is a retired police officer who served in Tenby, while his wife is a police officer who was stationed in the St Clears/Laugharne areas.
They are enthusiastic members of Tenby Aces, previously taking part in cycling and running events - including the Manchester Marathon this time last year.
The club has now made the life-saving Wales Air Ambulance service its charity for the year, with its main fund-raising event being a tough 200-mile cycle ride, which they hope, will raise £7,500 alone.
Said the couple’s son, Aled Smith, aged 22, who is the UK’s top-ranking Ironman in his age-group: “Mum and Dad are making good progress.
“If it wasn’t for their fitness, it could have been a very different story, and also if the two air ambulances had not been on the scene so quickly.
“We can’t thank the service enough for their work, and also the incredible support that the family has received from everybody - we literally had thousands of messages.”
A group of around 30 elite cyclists from the Aces will make an early start tomorrow to ride between the Wales Air Ambulance bases in Caernarfon, North Wales and Llanelli, where they will be joined by as many other riders as possible. Then the cyclists will head for Tenby and a heroes' welcome in Tudor Square at around 8pm.
Added Aled: “Mum and Dad are thrilled at the fund-raising, and they want to get behind it as much as they can.
“The Wales Air Ambulance is a superb service, and like our family, you never know when you’re going to need its help.”
Updates on the ride will be posted on the Tenby Aces Facebook page throughout the day.
*To sponsor the ride, go to www.justgiving.com/Tenby-Aces1
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