A couple who completed six ice-swimming races in Finland’s icy waters without swimsuits have visited the Wales Air Ambulance charity they supported through their fundraising efforts.

Alistair Bell and Beth Robart travelled to Oulu to take on the challenge that most people would shy away from.

They took part in the bi-annual Winter Swimming World Championship 2026 between March 2 to 8.

Despite the icy conditions, which on the coldest day saw them swim in -0.5°C and the air temperature being -13°C, the duo completed the competition to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Alistair from Tenby is no stranger to swimming in icy waters; he has previously swum in competitions in the Arctic and Europe during the last nine years. However, Beth, from Swansea, was thrown straight in the deep end by entering the Winter Swimming World Championship 2026.

Following their successful challenge Alistair and Beth were both invited to the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen, where they met the Wales Air Ambulance staff and presented the Charity with the amazing £2,175 that they raised.

Alistair and Beth both work within the trauma sector and said it is likely that their clients would have been saved by the Wales Air Ambulance and that is why they chose to support the Charity.

Alistair said: “We had an enjoyable time, and we were thrilled to be able to see the base. We have said that we must do another fundraising event for the Charity in the future.”

“We are really pleased with the amount we have raised and are grateful for the generosity of colleagues and companies within the health and legal sectors. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us.”

Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “It was lovely to welcome Alistair and Beth to our Charity’s headquarters following their incredible fundraiser. It was great that they had a chance to hear all about the Charity and how their fundraiser will make a difference to the people of Wales.

“The determined couple took on a challenge that most people wouldn’t want to think about, let alone do and they smashed it! They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

“Thank you to Alistair and Beth for not only taking on this icy challenge but choosing the Wales Air Ambulance to raise funds for. The Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like this one, will enable us to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”