Pembrokeshire volunteer raises over £13,000 for air ambulance charity
During the pandemic, he raised £5,060, by taking part in the charity’s My Air Miles fundraiser, which saw him walking to work and back.
Fundraiser Richard 'Barney' Lewis
Coach driver, Richard Lewis, from Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire has raised over £13,000, for the Wales Air Ambulance Service.
He decided to start fundraising after he was saved by two Wales Air Ambulance medics, Philip Thomas and Dorian James, ten and a half years ago, after suffering a TIA stroke (also known as a mini stroke).
Richard, 53, who is also known as Barney, went to school with one of the medics, Philip, and said: "I wanted to give something back to thank him and Dorian."
During the pandemic, he raised £5,060, by taking part in the charity’s My Air Miles fundraiser, which saw him walking to work and back.
He also raises money by doing car boot sales at Carew market, sponsored walks, and cycle rides, plus selling donated items online.
Richard, said: “I feel great with the sum I've raised over the years and all the support I've had off the public. The reaction from my friends and family has been very good.
"Everyone is 100 percent behind me. My colleagues in the Waterloo depot, Pembroke Dock, are also full of support.”
For the last four years, Richard has been volunteering for the Wales Air Ambulance as well, Katie Macro, the charity’s West Wales community fundraiser, said: “Richard has supported our charity for over a decade now. His kindness and commitment to raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance is touching.
"Thank you to Richard and all his friends, family, and colleagues who have supported his fundraising efforts during the past decade. Every penny we make is vital to ensure that we can be there for people in need.”
More information on fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance can be found here
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