The Farmers' Union of Wales today (Wednesday August 15) revealed it has agreed to be a sponsor of "Cerddwyn Ymlaen-Walk On" - a celebrity supported walk from Swansea to Caernarfon - to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance's "Leap Into Action" appeal and to promote G?yl Gobaith Music Festival 2012.
Following the successful celebration of Wales Air Ambulance's 10th anniversary at last year's G?yl Gobaith, Welsh opera star and member of the Three Welsh Tenors Rhys Meirion agreed to be this year's Wales Air Ambulance Ambassador and he will be one of the walkers on the 200-mile route.
They will set off on the eight-day trek from Swansea Airport at 8am on Friday (August 17). The route will take in the Neath Valley, Storey Arms, Brecon, Builth, Newtown and Welshpool Airport, Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau, Porthmadog and finish at Caernarfon Airport.
"We had no hesitation in agreeing to be a sponsor after being informed the 'Leap Into Action' Appeal is in aid of acquiring a replacement for Wales Air Ambulance's third helicopter based in Welshpool," said FUW operations director Mark Roberts.
"The current helicopter is due to be decommissioned by the Civil Aviation Authority so they need to raise an extra £600,000 each year to upgrade and maintain the lease of a 'new generation aircraft' - an advanced air ambulance with the latest medical facilities and aviation technology."
Last year the FUW presented Wales Air Ambulance with a cheque for over £15,000 after past president Gareth Vaughan adopted the organisation as his chosen charity.