Aberdyfi runners and walkers will once again put their best foot forward this Bank Holiday weekend in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

This is the third year Gary and Seona Loveman, who own the Britannia Inn in Aberdyfi, have organised their ‘Slip to the Brit’ beach run fundraising event, which has become a hit with locals and regular visitors alike.

Seona said: “It’s a ‘must do’ in the diaries of residents, they have really embraced it.”

The event has evolved since it first started in 2022, with elite runners now taking part, aiming to complete the course at record speed.

Seona said: “People with all sorts of fitness levels can join in. But of course, the more serious competitors will be looking to achieve a personal best.

“However, there will be others who’ll come down dressed as their favourite character, or with family and friends to walk their dog. They will still put £10 in the bucket because they want to support the charity.”

The organisers are also calling for event volunteers, who can show their interest by contacting Aberdyfi’s Britannia Inn. Seona said: “We are appealing for marshals to volunteer and bring their stopwatches to make sure someone is logging their time.”

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.

Seona said: “Aberdyfi is a tourist spot. Whether you are a resident or visitor, you want to know that the air ambulance will be there for you if something dire happens.

“If your life is on the line, you fall ill or end up having an awful accident, you need the emergency department to come to you and that’s what the air ambulance delivers.

“That’s why I want us to raise as much money as we can for the service.”

Slip to the Brit will start at noon on Saturday, 3 May 2025. Seona said: “The course start point is at the boat launching slipway in Tywyn, off the seafront car park, and continues along the shoreline.

"It follows the wide, sandy beach, all the way round the corner into the estuary and back up the slipway at Dovey Yacht Club into Aberdyfi village. From there, you can see The Brit.

“It’s quite a popular walk anyway, because of the fabulous scenery. It’s always sandy and yes, we have already checked, it will be low tide on the day!”

The event not only raises funds for the lifesaving service but helps put the spotlight on Aberdyfi and local businesses.

Seona said: “There are six bars and restaurants along our stretch, and we all support each other. There is no point in being competitive.

“The more people we can attract to the area, the better it is for all of us. So, we each do something a little different each day to encourage visitors and foodies.

“On the day of Slip to the Brit, there will be live music with a home-grown musician.”

The last two events have helped raise almost £5,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Elaine Orr, the Charity’s North West Wales Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “Slip to the Brit is such a wonderful event!

“We are so grateful to Gary and Seona for once again raising funds for our lifesaving service.

“Each year, the wonderful community of Aberdyfi comes together not only to support our charity but local businesses too, which is so important.

“Without events like this, we would not be able to continue to do what we do. Every pound raised helps save lives.”