A Welshpool air ambulance medic went the extra mile to raise funds for the lifesaving charity by taking on the 140-mile Ironman Wales challenge.

Wales Air Ambulance critical care practitioner Simon Cartwright, from Welshpool, completed the gruelling long-distance triathlon made up of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile hilly bike course and a marathon through the streets of Tenby.

Simon took on the challenge alongside other critical care practitioners Caroline Arter, Ruby Thomas, and Mike Palmer, raising £8,500 for Wales Air Ambulance charity.

Simon said: “It was an incredible experience; one I will never forget. The support from the public was incredible. To hear the words, ‘Simon, you are an Ironman’ is something I will cherish forever, I really am over the moon.

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“To have taken on this challenge alongside my colleagues is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I think all four of us are legends for taking part. Despite working 12-hour shifts, balancing our personal lives and fitting in training, we have raised an incredible amount of money for our charity.”

The hardship of completing the ironman challenge was shown in full force as despite their best efforts, two of the medics weren’t able to finish, despite the immense effort.

Ruby fought awful conditions to complete the swim, but was pulled off the course after 80 miles into the bike ride, due to cut-off times, while Caz completed the 112-bike course but missed the cut-off time by two minutes and was therefore unable to take on the marathon.

Simon managed to finish the Ironman in 12 hours and 24 minutes and was followed by Mike at a time of 14 hours and 17 minutes.

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Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive said: “To set foot on the start line of an Ironman requires dedication, sacrifice and an unimaginable amount of training. We are incredibly proud of our four crew members for taking on this challenge.

“Simon completed the event in an incredible time of 12 hours and 24 minutes, and whilst he is used to working 12-hour shifts, this is a long way off his day job. We are delighted that Simon took part and that he received his Ironman medal.

“The fact that outside of his day job of saving lives he and the other medics wanted to raise money for our cause is so touching. They’ve raised over £8,000 for our charity, which is truly incredible. We are immensely proud of all the medics for putting themselves forward to take on Ironman. To us, they are all Ironmen.”