Air ambulance medic to take on one of Wales' toughest challenges

Welshpool Critical Care Practitioner Simon Cartwright will be taking on Ironman Wales in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity to raise vital funds.

The event is a gruelling long-distance triathlon which consists of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile hilly bike course and a marathon through the streets of Tenby.

Simon is hoping to raise £1,500 for the Charity and will be joined by his fellow medics, from different bases across Wales - Caroline Arter, Ruby Thomas and Mike Palmer who are all hoping to raise money for the lifesaving cause.

The air ambulance service in Wales 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.

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.

Simon, who has worked out of the Welshpool base since March 2022, is looking forward to joining forces with his fellow medics to be the ‘Wales Air Ambulance Ironman Team’.  Simon and the team have been training alongside their busy work life and 12-hour shifts.

This is Simon’s first Ironman, an idea put to him by his colleague Caz.

He said: “I think it’s always good attitude to say ‘yes’, especially to something that you’ve never done before. Completing an Ironman whilst supporting the Charity and doing it with other Critical Care Practitioners, Caz, Mike and Ruby is pretty awesome.”

Simon is no stranger to setting himself an epic challenge. In the last two years and building up to the main event, Simon has taken part in The Always Aim High Triathlons in North Wales, such as Snowman, Sandman and Slateman. He added: “Since then I’ve followed a programme and have tried to be as committed and disciplined as possible.

“I’m nervous and excited to be doing the Ironman Wales. It’s going to be great to see everyone achieving what they have been training for. We’re looking forward to the support from the crowds and raising as much money as possible. Thank you for all the donations so far.”

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive said: “We were delighted to hear that Simon and the team will be taking on Ironman Wales in aid of our all-Wales cause. The fact that outside of their day job of saving lives they want to raise money for our cause is incredible. The dedication they give to their roles as Critical Care Practitioners daily is incredible, but to go on and push themselves to complete a gruelling fundraiser is so heartwarming. The Charity is proud of them all. We wish Simon and all the team the best as they take on this huge challenge and we hope our supporters get behind the team on the day.”

You can show your support to Simon and the team by donating to their JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/caroline-arter-1710187476943