Llanelli school staff take part in the Great Welsh Half Marathon to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance

Staff at a Carmarthenshire school have raised more than £1,300 for the Wales Air Ambulance by taking part in the Great Welsh Half Marathon.

The team, which consisted of staff from various roles within St Michael’s School in Llanelli, completed the 13.1-mile race at Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire.

The school staff have trained hard for the event and for many of the team it was their very first half marathon. They were very keen to get involved and show their support for the lifesaving Charity.

St Michael’s School has supported the Wales Air Ambulance throughout the academic year with a variety of fundraising activities and therefore the Charity was an obvious choice to benefit from the donations raised through the half marathon.

Based in Bryn, a few miles away from the Charity’s headquarters, the school offers education to pupils aged between three and 18-years-old. It offers both day and boarding places and in 2021 it was named ‘The Sunday Times Welsh Independent Secondary School of the Decade’.

Benson Ferrari, Headteacher at St Michael’s School, said: “I am very proud of my colleagues who trained for and took part in the Great Welsh Half Marathon, with the aim of supporting our vitally important Wales Air Ambulance, something which could be there for any of us in our time of need.

“I am also particularly grateful for all the sponsors and donors who supported the runners to achieve such an excellent total.”
The Wales Air Ambulance relies on charitable donations to raise £8 million each year to keep the helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Tracey Ann Breese, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser, said: “Congratulations to the staff at St Michael’s School in Llanelli for completing the Great Welsh Half Marathon in aid of our lifesaving Charity and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported them. You should all be extremely proud of yourself!

“On behalf of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, I would also like to thank the school for all the fundraising events that have been held throughout the academic year. Your donation will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most, whether that is by air or via our rapid response vehicles. Your support is much appreciated.”