A YOUNG Wrexham boy has raised over £1,000 for three charities including the Wales Air Ambulance after cycling 15.2 miles.

Despite his young age of six, Park Community Primary School pupil Ieuan Thomas acknowledged the significant impact that the Charity is facing during the current coronavirus pandemic and wanted to do something to help.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as people came out onto the streets to support him, whilst adhering to social distancing. He started his journey from his home in Llay and cycled to the top of Hope Mountain, which is 330 meters in height, and then did the return journey.

He raised a staggering £1,318.

The youngster was very excited to do his challenge in aid of the lifesaving charity, Hope House and Nightingale Hospice.

His proud grandad, Nick Povey, said: “He really enjoyed the day with all his support. The last couple of hills were hard because he was a little bit tired but doing the ride and raising the money made him feel very happy.”

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Taking part in the sponsored bike ride was a family effort. Ieuan’s 2-year-old sister Ella also rode her bike for the first part of the journey through Alyn Waters Country Park. The challenge took Ieuan and his dad Alan 5 hours to complete and he exceeded his original target to cycle 14 miles.

Reflecting on his grandson’s efforts, Nick, said: “Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has sponsored Ieuan so far. He has managed to smash his £600 target and is currently at £1,318 – he is over the moon. He did fantastic in the end and he was overwhelmed with all the people who were there to applaud him when he finished. As a family, we’re very proud of him, especially as he decided to do it himself.”

Lynne Garlick, Wales Air Ambulance North Wales Fundraising Manager, added: “Cycling over 15 miles would be an exhausting experience for most adults so this makes Ieuan’s achievement all the more special. To understand the importance of what we do as a charity and to empathise with our fundraising challenges at such a young age is amazing. The contribution of Ieuan, Ella and all of the family will have lifesaving consequences for others. I cannot thank them enough for their support.”

If you would like to show your appreciation to Ieuan and his family, you can donate via his Virgin Money Giving page https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=IeuanThomas&pageUrl=1

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home – like Ieuan. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com.

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.