Seven-year-old Henry Russell, a pupil at Tavernspite School, is delighted to have completed the 100 miles whilst raising £661 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The Carmarthenshire schoolboy wanted use the school holiday to raise funds for the Charity after his dad, Matt, needed the help of the Wales Air Ambulance in 2011.

Henry’s proud mum Lotti said: “It was wonderful. We’ve had the best summer doing these walks. It’s really pushed us to get out and about - especially on rainy days where we’d usually just have a lazy day but instead, we all got our waterproofs on and headed out.

“We’ve explored places that we’ve never been before and spent so much time together as a family. There were days that it was very challenging, but we all battled through and cheered each other up when we needed it.

“We had a special finish line for his last walk and presented him with a medal that my cousin made for him. It was a wonderful way to celebrate him finishing such an achievement.”

Henry, along with the support of his family including baby sister Emily, clocked off the miles by completing a mixture of the hilly Pembrokeshire coastal path, Llys-y-Frân Reservoir, park runs at Colby and gentle woodland strolls. He finished off the 100th mile by doing a beautiful route around Manorbier! He was joined by family, school friends and their families on his last walk.

Henry said: “I’m pleased to have completed the 100 miles. I feel very proud to have finished. I enjoyed the exercise and exploring. My favourite walk was the last one because my friends came with us, and we saw seals.”

Lotti said: “We’re so proud of him and his determination. When he finished his 100 miles he even asked if we could do another walk the next day!”

Tavernspite schoolboy Henry Russell completed 100 miles in six weeks for Wales Air Ambulance
Tavernspite schoolboy Henry Russell completed 100 miles in six weeks for Wales Air Ambulance (Wales Air Ambulance)

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million pounds every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road, providing a 24-hour service, 365 days a year.

The consultant-led service takes hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transfers 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.

Henry and his family have been ‘blown away by everyone’s support’ after he smashed his original £200 fundraising target.

Hannah Bartlett, Supporter Engagement Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “Henry gave up his six weeks’ holidays to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which is incredible.

“We were delighted to hear that Henry chose our Charity after our medics attended his dad Matt in 2011. Thank you to his parents for supporting him with the challenge and to his family and friends for donating to the cause.

“Henry should be immensely proud of how much he has raised for the Wales Air Ambulance. Henry’s a little lifesaver.”