Gareth Thomas hands over cheques to the Central Beacons MRT and Wales Air Ambulance. Photo: @LynfaJones

A grateful walker handed over cash to the mountain rescue team and representatives of the air ambulance who came to his aid after he fell and injured himself earlier this year.

Gelligaer Ramblers Club secretary Gareth Thomas broke his ankle and foot in several places and suffered two broken ribs when he tumbled 9m (30ft) into a ravine on Rhigos Mountain in April.

The 64-year-old walker was treated on the hillside, above the Cynon Valley, and ‘packaged’ by members of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team for an airlift by the Wales Air Ambulance.

Rob Jones of the mountain rescue team said: “To show their gratitude for the outstanding work undertaken by the rescue teams, the club’s members organised a sponsored walk, raising a total of £2,300 which they split between the mountain rescue team, which is funded by the public donations and all of whose members are voluntary, and the Wales Air Ambulance, which relies on public donations to operate.”

Mr Thomas underwent extensive treatment for his injuries at the Heath Hospital, Cardiff.

The fully recovered walker joined fellow club members and representatives of the two voluntary organisations today for a walk round the Blackwood and Ynysddu area.

Mr Thomas and his wife Liz handed over cheques for £1,150 each to Central Beacons MRT and the Wales Air Ambulance at the club’s Christmas lunch.