Key points
- Gary Lester, an electrical engineer from Tenby, successfully raised £2,510 for Wales Air Ambulance charity.
- He walked for 186 miles along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Amroth to St Dogmaels.
- Mr Lester covered the distance within 10 days, which is one day quicker than his expected 11-day period.
- He did not use any support car; instead, he packed all his things including camping equipment himself.
- It was his first fundraising event for the charity.
- He donated the money to the charity employees working at its Tenby shop.
- Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, thanked him and pointed out that he kept going even after getting injured.
- So far, the Wales Air Ambulance has conducted 58,000 sorties since 2001.
Wales (Wales Times) October 03, 2026 – Tenby electrical engineer Gary Lester has raised £2,510 for Wales Air Ambulance after completing a 186-mile walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
As reported by the Western Telegraph, Mr Lester began his challenge at Amroth and reached St Dogmaels after 10 days on the trail. He had aimed to complete the route in 11 days.
Mr Lester carried all of his own equipment throughout the journey, including food, hiking equipment and camping gear. He completed the fundraising walk without a support vehicle.
How did Gary Lester complete the 186-mile route?
As reported by the Western Telegraph, Mr Lester described the route as 186 miles of rugged coastline, repeated climbs, unpredictable Welsh weather and coastal views.
“I have always wanted to complete walking the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Amroth to St Dogmaels,”
Mr Lester said.
“It’s 186 miles of rugged coastline, relentless climbs, unpredictable Welsh weather and breathtaking views, and I aimed to complete it in just 11 days, but I finished in ten days,”
he said.
“There were no shortcuts, just me, the path, and the determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other,”
Mr Lester added.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs between St Dogmaels and Amroth and is recognised as a 186-mile National Trail. Walkers generally take around 12 days to complete the full route, depending on their pace, weather conditions and overnight arrangements.
Why did Gary Lester support Wales Air Ambulance?
As reported by the Western Telegraph, Mr Lester selected Wales Air Ambulance because of its emergency service across Wales, including in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
“I raised money for the air ambulance because it’s an incredible service that saves lives,” Mr Lester said.
“Whether it’s serious accidents in remote areas, medical emergencies, or critical incidents where road access is difficult, they are there,” he said.
Mr Lester said the challenge reinforced the importance of emergency response services in isolated parts of the county. He said that when an incident occurs in remote areas, including coastal locations, air ambulance crews can be critical to patient care.
“The Wales Air Ambulance rely heavily on public donations to keep flying,”
he said. “That’s why I want to do my bit.”
What has Wales Air Ambulance said?
Mike May, regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance, congratulated Mr Lester for undertaking the full route while carrying his own supplies and camping equipment.
“This fundraiser was something that Gary wanted to do for a long time, and we are extremely grateful, that despite his injury, he continued his challenge to raise funds for our lifesaving service,”
Mr May said, as reported by the Western Telegraph.
“Thank you for raising an amazing £2,510 for our all-Wales charity,”
he said.
Mr May said donations help Wales Air Ambulance continue operating its helicopters and rapid response vehicles. He said public fundraising supports the charity’s ability to provide emergency critical care throughout Wales.
The charity delivers consultant-led emergency care, including hospital-standard treatment at the scene of incidents and patient transfers to appropriate hospitals where needed.
Wales Air Ambulance operates through a partnership between the third sector and public sector. Its aircraft and road vehicles are staffed by NHS consultants and critical care practitioners provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.
Where was the money presented?
Mr Lester presented the £2,510 donation to staff at the Wales Air Ambulance charity shop in Tenby.
The Western Telegraph reported that this was Mr Lester’s first fundraising event for the charity.
The fundraising challenge was also reported by Tenby Today, which stated that Mr Lester set off from Amroth and completed the full Pembrokeshire Coastal Path route at St Dogmaels in 10 days.
What is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a long-distance walking route in south-west Wales. It follows the Pembrokeshire coastline for 186 miles, or around 299 kilometres, between Amroth and St Dogmaels.
The path passes cliffs, beaches, estuaries, woodland, villages and coastal headlands. Its terrain includes frequent ascents and descents, which can make completing the full trail a significant physical challenge.
The route forms part of the Wales Coast Path and passes through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It is used by local residents, visitors and long-distance walkers throughout the year.
Background of the development
Wales Air Ambulance began operations on St David’s Day in 2001. Since then, the service has attended more than 58,000 missions across Wales.
The charity provides emergency medical support to people who have suffered life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Its crews operate throughout Wales and can reach incidents in locations where road access may be limited or where time is critical.
The service is supported by public fundraising, donations, charity shops and organised community events. Fundraisers such as Mr Lester’s coastal walk contribute towards the ongoing costs of operating aircraft, vehicles, equipment and specialist medical services.
Prediction: how can this development affect local supporters?
For Tenby and wider Pembrokeshire residents, Mr Lester’s achievement may encourage further fundraising challenges for Wales Air Ambulance. Local walkers, uk/sports/">sports clubs, workplaces and community groups may see long-distance walking events as a way to support the service.
For people using the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the story may draw attention to the demands of the route, including its distance, changes in terrain and isolated stretches of coastline. It may also highlight the relevance of emergency services for people taking part in outdoor activities.
For Wales Air Ambulance, the fundraising total adds to the charity’s public support base in Pembrokeshire. Continued local donations and sponsored events can help the organisation maintain emergency response services for residents, visitors and people requiring critical care across Wales.
