Mold fundraiser completes gruelling Deadly Dozen challenge
A Mold woman has raised £325 for Wales Air Ambulance after completing the demanding Deadly Dozen fitness challenge in Macclesfield.
42-year-old Esther Richards, who works for the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) as an account executive, took part in the event in September alongside more than 100 competitors.
She chose to support the Wales Air Ambulance as it is FUW President Ian Rickman’s chosen charity for the 2024–2026 fundraising period.
Esther said: “I did some research and was amazed to learn; it costs millions to run the Wales Air Ambulance a year. It’s £2,900 just to do one flight mission.
“Imagine if you were up Snowdonia walking or living in a rural community and you were seriously injured or became critically unwell, that service could make an incredible difference to your outcome.
“I don’t think many people understand that it is a Charity and relies on its supporters or even consider the logistics of funding it. It’s so special and I think many take it for granted.”
She added: “I was also surprised to learn that there is an aftercare service which provides support to patients and their families during their recovery, which I think is incredible.”
Wales Air Ambulance provides consultant-led, hospital-standard treatment to patients at the scene of an incident, and transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital when required.
The service operates through a partnership between the charity and the NHS, with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) providing highly skilled consultants and critical care practitioners.
Esther, who trains at Modified Gym in Broughton, said she began weightlifting in 2023 to improve her mental health and wellbeing.
“I’ve never been a keep fit fanatic! I’ve got two daughters, so my priorities were always looking after them, cooking, cleaning the usual chores, as well as working full-time,” she said.
“But in 2023 I decided I needed to do something for me, outside of the normal routine and it turned out to be the best decision. I started weightlifting to help with my mental health and wellbeing, and it’s something I’ve grown to love.”
Her trainer, Holly Walmsley, suggested she take on the Deadly Dozen — a global fitness challenge involving running and strength-based tasks. Esther teamed up with three others of similar age and fitness level.
On the day, she completed multiple runs and heavy lifts, including the Farmers Carry, involving 16kg kettlebells over 240 metres.
She said: “It was a big moment for me. I’m so proud of what I have achieved, not just for me, but for my daughters too. It got me out of my comfort zone and made them see me in a different light.
“Who knew I could be an athlete? It’s something I would never had thought was possible. But it is such a brilliant feeling to challenge yourself.”
Debra Sima, Regional Fundraising Manager for North East Wales, said: “Esther really stepped up for the Deadly Dozen event!
“It takes a lot of grit, for someone who isn’t a fan of running, to set themselves such a big challenge.
“We are hugely grateful to Esther and her teammates for helping raise so much money for our Charity. It is the equivalent to covering the cost of ten sessions with our aftercare team, who do a vital job supporting patients and their families during their recovery.
“Every pound raised makes such a huge difference and helps save lives across Wales.”
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