STAFF at a Llwyngwril pub have raised £1,340 for the Welsh Air Ambulance.

The Garthangharad took part in the charity’s ‘My20’ fundraising challenge to mark the 20th anniversary of the air ambulance.

This allowed people to set themselves a challenge, task or activity that relates to the number 20, which they completed during March.

Jane Jenkins, manager of the pub, said: “I took on The Garthangharad, Llwyngwril in September 2019 after it had been closed for a considerable period of time. There have been many challenges and obstacles since taking over, the most notable being the coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns.

“In November 2020 with the intention of bringing the pub back to the heart of the community, we decided that for the coming 12-month period we would do community fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance, a service crucial to this small village due to its location.”

To kickstart fundraising in December, a Zoom Christmas Quiz and car treasure hunt was held which raised £265.

Jane continued: “The next opportunity to fundraise came when Wales Air Ambulance launched their My20 challenge to celebrate 20 years of service. To register it cost £10 per person with all funds going towards keeping the four helicopters flying 24/7 across Wales.

“There was an opportunity to participate further by undertaking a challenge relating to the number 20 and the option of obtaining sponsorship and/or donations.

“My challenge was to walk 20 miles a week, a total of 90 for the whole month of March.

“On 30 March the challenge was completed and a total of 94 miles were recorded.

“All walks have been in the local area and varied between three and eight miles at any one time, usually with my daughter accompanying me for support.

“It has been great fun to do regardless of the weather at times and blisters, and there are some truly stunning areas in this part of Wales.”

The total was raised through registrations, Ned Pugh selling cupcakes, 20 pence donation for each takeaway sold through March, a Just Giving page, Riverside Stores, Llwyngwril sponsorship form and The Garthangharad sponsorship form.

Jane added: “Support from both locals and customers of the pub has been amazing and I would like to thank each and every one of them that donated or sponsored me.”