WALES and the Middle East are thousands of miles apart, but staff at Menter a Busnes (MaB) are taking the distance in their stride as part of a charity fundraising drive.

The MaB team have pledged to collectively walk, run, and cycle the distance between Cardiff and Qatar.

It is a journey of more than 4,000 miles between the Welsh capital and the host country of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The number of miles covered is growing daily.

So far, the team have successfully clocked up more than 2,500 miles and they have set themselves the challenge of covering the entire 4,302-mile ‘journey’ by January 31.

Each year MaB nominates a charity, and more than 100 members of staff have taken up the challenge to raise funds for this year’s chosen beneficiary, the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

To help it in its fundraising quest MaB has set up a dedicated GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/5e6a1b69 so that they can receive donations towards this very worthwhile cause.

Launched in 2001, Wales Air Ambulance is the largest charity of its kind in the UK. There are four Air Ambulances with critical care teams on board who, between them, have saved countless lives across Wales.

The vital service provided by Wales Air Ambulance is particularly close to the heart of MaB staff member Elin Jones.

Elin said: “Following an accident on our farm in 2010, the Air Ambulance was dispatched to us. We are so grateful to the crew that attended that day for their assistance.

“It’s difficult to comprehend what the situation would be like for families across rural Wales without this service.

"That is why it’s so important that we do what we can to fundraise so that we can keep those helicopters in the air.”

MaB director Manon Llwyd Rowlands said: “Menter a Busnes has a proud fundraising record, and our team have enthusiastically thrown themselves into activities to raise as much money as possible for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity

“They have been clocking up the miles on foot and two wheels. It is up to the individual how often they go for a walk, run or bike ride; and how far they go – but every mile counts towards our target.

“The outstanding service the Wales Air Ambulance provides cannot be underestimated, for some it can truly make the difference between life and death.

“Therefore, I hope as many people as possible will support the MaB team in their drive to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity.”