A group of 11 young farmers walked an incredible 97km from Knighton to Aberystwyth carrying a spinal board and mannequin patient all in aid of charity.

Knighton YFC took part in the three-day fundraiser to mark its 80th anniversary and raised more than £4,283 - smashing their original fundraising target of £1,500.

The money raised has been split equally between the Wales Air Ambulance and Knighton St John Responders.

Knighton YFC chose to support these charities because they have both helped friends of the club in the last 12 months. They wanted to enable the charities to help people in the future, so decided to walk the width of Wales.

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

Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager recently met the young farmers where they presented her with a cheque.

Ms Thomas said: “A huge thank you to the young farmers for taking part in the challenge. You’ve raised an incredible amount, which will be split between two great causes. Wales Air Ambulance is extremely grateful to have been chosen to benefit from this fundraiser. You walked an incredible distance whilst carrying a spinal board and mannequin patient.

“The Wales Air Ambulance Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year, and fundraisers like this one, will ensure that we continue to be there for the people of Wales, when they need us most. Thank you to everyone who supported the young farmers with their fundraiser.”

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.