AN ETERNALLY-grateful father has walked 23 miles to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance after they intervened when his baby ‘stopped breathing’.

Gethin Thomas, 32, walked the near-marathon distance from Caernarfon to Brondanw Arms, in Llanfrothren last Saturday.

He carried his guitar for the entire route before playing a gig at the pub, known locally as Y Ring, following his trek to raise money for the helicopter charity.

Plasterer Gethin, who lives in Caernarfon but hails from Penrhyndeudraeth, believes he is raising money for a good cause but admitted he was slightly apprehensive before setting off,

“I felt quite excited and nervous,” he told the Cambrian News.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m not a walker either so walking 23 miles was quite a challenge - I had to take a seat to play the gig!

“It’s for a very worthy cause though, When [my son] Iago was a month old he had bronchiolitis, and his breathing was stopping.

“We were in the surgery when the nurse called a doctor in, and from there on it got quite scary.

“The air ambulance crew and the paramedics were there within minutes.

“We didn’t actually go in the helicopter but in the ambulance with the helicopter paramedics.

“They were amazing. And very calm. That’s why I think it’s very important to raise money and I’m glad I can give something back.”

Gethin has already raised well over £500 and has not set a target on the amount he wants to collect.

“I’d obviously like to thank whoever the air ambulance crew were on that day and everyone who walked with me on the day,” he added.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped me arrange the walk and the entertainment afterwards.”

For more information, or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gethin-thomas1

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