The Wales Air Ambulance’s fundraising hunt for giant castles, which are scattered around the town centre and Swansea coastline has been popular amongst all this summer.
There are over 30 large castles that supporters can find as part of the challenge – whether that is visiting a few or all of the sculptures in one day or visiting them over several days.
Castles in the Sky, hosted by Wales Air Ambulance, is a fun, family-friendly, and free public art trail to enjoy this summer. Over 30 large giant castle sculptures and 20 miniature castles have landed in the city and the charity is encouraging visitors and local people to take on the challenge of finding them all.
Wales Air Ambulance delivers advanced medical to people across Wales and relies on charitable donations to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The all-Wales Charity is passionate about its country and this event pays tribute to the great nation, intertwining Welsh culture, art and history – something the people of Wales are extremely proud of.
Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said:
“Castles in the Sky intertwines Welsh culture, art and history. We hope visitors to Swansea and local people will enjoy the novelty of seeking out all the castles.
“From Lovebirds in SA1 to Nights in Shining Armour celebrating the city’s night life, to Up, Up and Away on Mumbles Pier, there is a potential selfie spot for everyone along the route!
“It’s also a wonderful way to shine a light on the talented artists we have in the UK, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible sponsors.”
The beauty of the event is you can choose how you complete it, whether walking, running, skateboarding, cycling or rollerblading. Simply find all of the sculptures to raise vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, whilst clocking off a distance of 8.5 miles.
You can take part on your own, in a group, or make it a relay event. This is your challenge so make it suit yourself, friends or family and have lots of run along the way.
There are 32 giant castles to find, just download the free app to collect them all https://swanseacastles.co.uk/app/
Register and you will, receive a Wales Air Ambulance cotton t-shirt once you’ve raised £32 – a £1 for every large castle that you find.
Children under the age 11 will receive a soft toy of the Charity’s mascot ‘Del the dragon’.
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
The 10-week art trail is being delivered in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art, and is supported by Principal Partner, Swansea Business Improvement District (BID).
The trail is open to everyone, and the Charity hopes that it will attract supporters from across the country and afar.
Mark Stevens, Head of Fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to get involved in our ‘Castles in the Sky’ fundraiser, whether you want to take on the challenge alone, with your grandchildren or part of a local group we welcome you to make this challenge yours and have some fun along the way.
“If you’re looking for a summer activity then this is the perfect day out. Whether you find all the castles in one day, or spread it across a few weeks, you will be making a difference. If you haven’t done so already, download the app and explore the city from a new perspective. Every castle has its own tale to tell.
“The fundraiser ‘Castles in the Sky’ intertwines Welsh culture, art and history. We hope visitors to Swansea and local people will enjoy the novelty of seeking out all the castles whilst raising much-needed funds for our all-Wales Charity.”
For more information and to register to take part in the Charity’s fundraiser visit the following link.
