Youngest runner completes ‘7-7-7’ ultramarathon challenge for Wales Air Ambulance

A South Wales adventurer has become the youngest person to complete the extraordinary feat of running seven ultramarathons on seven continents in just seven weeks – raising more than £10,400 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Morgan Thompson, 23, who works for the British Antarctic Survey, took on the gruelling 50km runs across Antarctica, South America, North America, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Europe. His journey began at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica before continuing through Patagonia, New York, Casablanca, Singapore, Sydney and ending with a final push in Tenby.

Originally aiming to raise £4,000, Morgan smashed his target – and his own expectations – after support flooded in from friends, family and strangers alike. “The amount raised has been overwhelming,” he said. “Every single donation motivated me to keep pushing myself. It’s been a real privilege to represent such a worthwhile charity.”

Wales Air Ambulance must raise £11.2m each year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational. The service brings hospital-standard emergency care to patients across the country, including blood transfusions, anaesthesia and life-saving interventions at the scene.

Morgan, who grew up near Merthyr Tydfil, said the idea for the challenge began when he decided to run his first marathon in Antarctica. “From there, I decided to go all in,” he said. “I wanted to combine my love of travel and adventure with raising money for a cause close to my heart.”

The charity’s South Wales fundraising manager, Christian Sullivan, hailed Morgan’s achievement as “epic” and praised his determination. “Fundraisers like Morgan’s will help us continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most,” he said.

Donations can still be made via Morgan’s JustGiving page.

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