10-08-2025
Everest biker raises over £20,000 for Wales Air Ambulance
Becci 'Skelly' Skelton set herself the solo Everest challenge at Dyfi Bike Park in Machynlleth, which saw her climbing the height of Everest, which is a formidable 8,849m of elevation, and riding down the Bike Park tracks.
Becci completed 27 laps, which covered approximately 230km.
To complete the challenge it took Becci two full days and cycling through the night. Becci's incredible statistics included 9000m climbing, 31hours elapsed and 21 hours moving time.
Becci from Llangollen (Image: Laurence Crossman-Emms)
During the fundraiser, which was in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK, Becci completed the challenge by only stopping for food and hydration purposes.
Becci, from Trevor, wanted to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance after the charity's medics came to the rescue of some good friends of hers, and said that the medics are on 'hand when something goes wrong in the great outdoors'.
She also wanted to raise funds for Cancer Research UK following the loss of her mum, Ellen, from cancer in 2017.
Becci said: 'She was without doubt, my biggest supporter in whatever venture I took on and making her proud was, and still is my main motivation to keep pushing forward.
"Since her passing, I've wanted to do a big challenge that pushes me further than I've gone before to raise money for a charity that will one day, hopefully, help people hold on to their loved ones.'
Becci's incredible effort has not gone unnoticed. She set herself a fundraising target of £7,000 and raised an amazing £20,321.
She said: "I am just so stoked and the money we've raised is just insane. I'm hoping that it makes a massive difference. What I have realised is how amazing other people are as well.
"I think for the first time in my entire life that I am actually proud of myself. It's not an emotion that comes easy to me.
'It is definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, actually no, saying goodbye to my mum was the hardest thing I've ever done.'
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity's vehicles.
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Debra Sima, North Wales regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance, travelled to Machynlleth to see Becci off on her first few laps.
A grateful Debra, said: 'It is incredible the determination and stamina that Becci has shown to be able to, not only attempt this huge challenge, but to successfully complete it, whilst raising an incredible amount for two important charities.
'Despite the tough challenge Becci completed her fundraiser. We're extremely grateful to Becci for choosing the Wales Air Ambulance as one of the causes to benefit from her fundraising. The fundraiser was a lovely way to raise funds in memory of Becci's mum, Ellen.
'Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.5 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the roads. Becci's fundraiser will help us to continue to be there for the people across Wales. Thank you so much.'
