A former professional footballer, who played for Wales U21s alongside Gareth Bale, is to tackle a gruelling charity effort in aid of two causes close to his heart.

Ex-Wales Under 21 International Robert Davies, 32, will undertake a sponsored spin class marathon next month to boost the funds of the Wales Air Ambulance after they saved his mum Angela’s life when she collapsed from a heart attack.

Rob, a former West Bromwich Albion midfielder, will be joined by fellow fitness fanatics for the three-hour non-stop challenge at Byw’n Iach which will also bolster the coffers of Tywyn and Bryncrug FC, his boyhood football team.

Rob hopes his fundraising event on 9 February will not only help to keep the air ambulance airborne, but kick start a fund to pay for new showers and changing facilities for the second-tier Welsh club for next season.

Rob, 32, from Tywyn, said he wanted to help the community having recently moved back to Wales after several years living in Essex.

He said: “When my mum was taken ill a few years ago the air ambulance literally saved her life. They landed on the field next to the house when she collapsed and performed CPR on her in the helicopter as they rushed her to Swansea hospital. It is quite rural and remote out here and a land ambulance would have taken three hours to do the same journey which may have been too late. The air ambulance really is our lifeline.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now