Published: 25 July 2024

A kind-hearted six-year-old schoolboy is spending his school summer holidays walking 100 miles for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

When Henry Russell’s mum, Lotti, asked him what he’d like to during the school holidays – he replied ‘going on lots of long walks’ and set himself the incredible challenge of walking 100 miles during six weeks.

His proud mum said: “I also asked him if he'd like to raise money for charity. He loved the idea! When I listed various charities to him, he asked questions about the Wales Air Ambulance. I explained what they did and that even his dad, Matt, had to use their service back in 2011. So that helped him decide, which charity to support.”

Henry, along with the support of his family including baby sister Emily, will do a mixture of the hilly Pembrokeshire coastal path, park runs at Colby and gentle woodland strolls. The family are also documenting his progress along the way.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.   

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.  

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

Henry, from Carmarthenshire who a pupil at Tavernspite School, set himself the fundraising target of £200, which he has already smashed by raising an incredible £315.

Some of Henry’s walks have included walking the Marros footpaths and Telpyn to Marros Coastal path, which took him 3 hours and 3 minutes.

Lotti is delighted with the support he is receiving, she added; “Everyone is amazed by him and so encouraging. Some of his school friends have asked to join in on some walks too.”

Hannah Bartlett, Supporter Engagement Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “What an incredible young boy Henry is. He has set himself a huge challenge during his six weeks off school, to raise much-needed funds for our lifesaving Charity. We are delighted to hear that he chose our Charity after our medics attended his dad Matt in 2011. Fundraisers, like Henry’s, will ensure we continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting Henry with his challenge. Good luck Henry. You’re doing amazing so far!”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep the helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road. 

You can show your support to Henry by donating to his fundraiser ‘Henry walks 100 miles in the summer’ via his JustGiving page.