Published: 10 April 2024

A West Wales coffee expert is on a mission to put a spring in your step this May with a charity walk for the Wales Air Ambulance. 

 

Phil Smith, Director of Capital Roasting in Pembroke Dock and six fellow members of Pembrokeshire’s Rotary Club have spent the past four months organising an event in aid of the lifesaving service. 

 

The Sunrise Walk starts at Pembroke Castle and challenges walkers to complete either 13-miles or 26-miles on Sunday 12 May.

 

Walkers will set off at 6am and have until 4:30pm the same day to complete the challenge.

 

Phil Smith said: “Anybody with a reasonable level of fitness can walk 13 miles, 26 is a bit more of a challenge.  But as long as you have got a pair of decent walking boots and you are in good health, there is no reason why most people shouldn’t be able to manage it.” 

 

The route will be marshalled and there will be water stations on route.

Phil’s company has been roasting coffee in Pembroke Dock since 1991, supplying both local customers and companies across the UK. Wales Air Ambulance is a cause which they have supported for the last seven years. 

He explains why: “We have collecting tins and we raise a fair amount of money where people come and put money in and I’ve organised other small events with friends of mine to raise money for the air ambulance. 

 

“We live in a remote part of the world here, so it is a vital resource for anybody who gets themselves into serious issues in this part of the world.” 

 

Wales Air Ambulance is the only air ambulance charity, based in, and dedicated to the people to Wales and 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.

It 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.  

As a marathon and ultra-marathon runner himself, Phil loves a challenge. He trains five times a week – but he’s looking forward to slowing things down for this special fundraiser and hopes that people will come out in force to support Pembrokeshire Rotary Club as it attempts to raise as much as it can for the Wales Air Ambulance.  

Phil continued: “Anyone over the age of 16 can take part, it’s the first time we have done this, so in terms of numbers we have no idea how many people will take part. Between 50 and 100 would be superb!"

Entry to the event costs £20 and finishers will receive an event t-shirt and a medal. If you are interested in signing up, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-walk-raising-funds-for-charity-tickets-769481308307

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

Hannah Bartlett, Wales Air Ambulance’s Support Engagement Manager, said: “We cannot thank Pembrokeshire Rotary Club enough for organising a fundraising walk in aid of us. It’s thanks to our supporters that we can continue to serve the people of Wales and save lives

 

“Our partnership with the NHS enables us to deliver critical care to the patient, whenever and wherever they need it. That is why we are so grateful when companies and organisations choose to help us reach our £11.2 million target.

 

“Good luck to everyone who takes part and thank you.”

 

Entry to the event costs £20 and finishers will receive an event t-shirt and a medal. If you are interested in signing up, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-walk-raising-funds-for-charity-tickets-769481308307