A group of friends are travelling from across the UK and Germany to compete in the Ibiza Marathon this weekend and raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The island holds a special place in their hearts, because it is where they enjoyed memorable moments with their late friend Katie Worrell of Pembroke - who along with her partner Adam Muskett from Tenby, sadly passed away following a serious road traffic collision in June 2024.

Alex McNamara, Alice Livingstone-Wallace, Brad Bradley, Ewen Bufton, Georgia Howe Olley Owens and Ted Atkinson will join thousands of running enthusiasts on the start line on Saturday, April 18.

The island holds a special place in their hearts, because it is where they enjoyed memorable moments with their late friend Katie Worrell.

The group admit it was one of her ‘favourite places’ and where they spent a lot of their early twenties enjoying raves, festivals, and sunsets together.

Alex, who is twenty-eight and from Cardiff said: “Wales Air Ambulance came to the aid of Katie, and we will forever be grateful for the care and support given to her.

“We want to do something positive in her memory and raise money for a special Charity which helps thousands of people like Katie, each year.”

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.

It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

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.

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency critical care.

Alex, Alice, Brad, Ewen, Georgia, Olley and Ted are hoping to raise over £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance. They said: “Your life can change in a few seconds!

“Wales Air Ambulance are on call 24 hours a day, throughout the year and do an incredibly skilled job. You never know which day you might need them.”

A year ago, Katie’s parents Karen and Mark organised a walk-up Pen y Fan in aid of the service. The group of friends were among thirty people who took part in the hike helping to raise over £12,000. They say ‘it inspired them’ to do their own fundraiser.

Alex said: “This is my first marathon, I did a half in Torquay in September, so it is a personal challenge for me too.

“Olley does a lot of running and this will be his 2nd or 3rd marathon, Brad plays a lot of football, Ewen plays rugby – he lives in Germany and is travelling over for this, Georgia and Alice are keen on the gym as well. “

The group are busy training, fitting in runs around their work life. Alex said: “Katie would find it very amusing the thought of us all turning into athletes when we spent so much time partying together! But if she were still with us, I am sure she would be the loudest voice in the crowd cheering us on!”

If you wish to support Alex, Alice, Brad, Ewen, Georgia, Olley and Ted, you can donate via their Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/d59637e7a

Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager said: “It is so moving that Katie’s friends are coming together on her favourite island to remember her in such a wonderful way.

“We are deeply grateful to Alex, Alice, Brad, Ewen, Georgia, Olley and Ted who will be running the Ibiza Marathon in aid of Wales Air Ambulance this Saturday.

“Fundraisers like this are so important to our service and ensure that we can continue to come to the aid of patients wherever, and whenever they need us.

“Every pound raised will make a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”