The North Dock Dredgers Triathlon Club’s annual swim raised £1,575 for the Wales Air Ambulance after the Charity’s medics came to the aid of one of its members son.

The charity swim was the eighth swim that the club held in aid of different causes. Previously the club has raised funds for Burry Port RNLI, Loughor Inshore Lifeboat and Heol Goffa School.

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is close to the hearts of the club members after the medics saved the life of member, Emma Hughes’ son Griff Hughes.

Twelve members braved the elements to enter the very cold waters for their festive swim at their open water training ground – North Dock, Llanelli.

Member of North Dock Dredgers Triathlon Club, Gary Davies, said: “The water on the day was 4.5 degrees, some wore wetsuits so they could swim a bit further than those in shorts/fancy dress. We chose the Wales Air Ambulance this year as one of our members Emma Hughes had first-hand experience. Her son was airlifted a few years ago after a car accident so it was a cause close to her heart.

“We were very pleased with the £1,575 that was raised. We had a lot of support from local businesses and triathlon race organisers who donated raffle prizes etc.”

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.

Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance’s Campaigns Manager, said: “Thank you to North Dock Dredgers Triathlon Club who raised funds for the Charity by swimming in the very cold water. The club is aware of the lifesaving work that the Charity provides 24/7 after the Wales Air Ambulance saved Emma’s son Griff’s life. It’s always heart-warming to hear of family and friends that fundraiser for the Charity after someone close to them needed our help. Donations like this one helps us be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated to the fundraiser.”