Charity

Helicopter transfer saved my life, says Carmarthenshire heritage railway volunteer

Published

9 months ago

March 17, 2025

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man who suffered a severe head injury while cycling to work says he “wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Wales Air Ambulance.”

Twelve years ago, Roger Van Praet was on his way to volunteer at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works in Porthmadog when he was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

Roger, a non-executive director for FUW Insurance Services Limited, recalled: “It was a dire situation. I was unconscious on the road, and thankfully, someone I work with called the emergency services.”

***Roger Van Praet (left) in discussion with Llyr Huws Gruffydd, MS at the FUW’s Farmhouse Breakfast event in Cardiff Bay, 22 January 2025. (Credit: FUW)***

***Roger Van Praet was on his way to volunteer at the Ffestiniog Railway when he was involved in a collision (Image: File)***

He was stabilised by a land ambulance crew and rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, where doctors discovered he had suffered brain bleeds and required specialist care. They decided his best chance of survival was urgent treatment at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“That’s when the Wales Air Ambulance was called. I have no recollection of this,” he said. “I was told I received critical care onboard, and the clinicians and pilot ensured my safe arrival.”

He added: “The journey to Stoke takes about 25 minutes by air compared to three and a half hours by road. I will be eternally grateful to the air ambulance team for looking after me. The helicopter transfer was absolutely critical to my survival.”

Lifesaving service

The Wales Air Ambulance delivers hospital-standard treatments at the scene and, if necessary, transfers patients directly to the most appropriate hospital. The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, with the charity relying on public donations to raise the £11.2 million needed annually to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles running.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides NHS consultants and critical care practitioners for the charity’s operations. Their advanced critical care includes administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions, and performing minor operations at the scene.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel across the country to provide lifesaving care wherever needed.

Roger, who makes monthly donations to the charity, said: “It’s such an important cause and deserves everyone’s support. You never know when you might need it—I certainly didn’t wake up that morning expecting to require critical care.”

***Roger and Sian at Lake Moraine in the Canadian Rockies last September – a holiday originally booked just before the accident twelve years ago. (Credit: Roger Van Praet)***

A life-changing accident

Roger and his wife Sian were staying in their caravan at the volunteer hostel in Porthmadog when the accident happened, just a mile from the Ffestiniog Railway engine works.

“I’d cycled the same route a dozen times with no issues. It was around 6:30 in the morning, not completely dark,” he said. “I remember cycling and approaching traffic lights near some roadworks. Once they turned green, I started off—that’s all I can recall.”

Later, he learned that roadworks had blocked the pavement, forcing a pedestrian onto the road, where they collided. “We had a glancing blow. I came off my bike headfirst and hit the road. The walker was uninjured,” he said.

Roger, a former Compliance and Operations Director at the Farmers’ Union of Wales, spent several days in ICU before regaining consciousness in acute care.

“On the surface, I looked fine—no broken bones. But when I stood up, my balance and coordination were affected. I had to relearn how to walk,” he said. “The recovery took much longer than expected.”

He did not return to work for nearly two years and had to adapt to lasting changes. “I never went back full-time and instead worked three days a week. It was a very worrying time for my family, but the Farmers’ Union of Wales was extremely supportive.”

Roger later became Managing Director of FUW Insurance Services before retiring in December 2020. He remains involved with the Union as a non-executive director.

“I was delighted when FUW President Ian Rickman announced fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance during his presidency,” he said. “It provides essential critical care and does an incredible job, saving lives across Wales.”

Reflecting on his experience, Roger added: “I’d always wanted to ride in a helicopter—it’s just a shame that when I finally did, I have no memory of it.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.

Charity

Communities across Pembrokeshire unite in memory of Sally Allen

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE TRAGIC loss of Sally Allen in 2025 sent shockwaves through communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Deeply loved and widely respected, Sally was an integral part of the agricultural and equestrian world. Her sudden passing left an immeasurable sense of loss for her family, friends, and the many organisations and communities she was part of.

In the days and weeks following the accident, people from across the county came together in an extraordinary show of compassion, solidarity and remembrance. Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity was on hand to offer guidance and support to communities affected by the tragedy, helping individuals and families navigate the early and often overwhelming stages of grief.

Support in Sally’s memory has been widespread, with particular strength coming from the agricultural and equestrian sectors that meant so much to her. Young Farmers Clubs across Pembrokeshire organised fundraising evenings and gatherings, creating spaces for people to come together, share memories, and acknowledge the profound loss felt by so many.

On Monday 15 December, a deeply moving moment of remembrance took place as Sally’s family came together with David Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd (CCF), along with further representatives from CCF and Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity. The occasion marked the launch of a specially commissioned design on one of CCF’s lorries.

The vehicle, N12 CCF, now proudly carries sunflowers – a flower Sally loved – alongside her name, celebrating her life while also featuring the Sandy Bear logo. This thoughtful tribute was warmly received by the Allen family and ensures that Sally’s memory, kindness and impact will continue to be carried far and wide.

CCF is deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities Sally cared about. At the launch, Mr Evans announced that CCF will make a donation to Sandy Bear aligned with the miles travelled by N12 CCF throughout January, transforming everyday journeys into a lasting legacy of support.

In addition, a JustGiving page will remain open until the end of January, allowing individuals and organisations to continue honouring Sally’s memory by supporting Sandy Bear alongside the CCF fundraiser.

Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity supports children and young people across Wales who are grieving the death of someone important to them. Being present at times of profound loss, and helping communities process grief with care and compassion, is at the heart of the charity’s work.

Sally Allen’s life touched many. The response to her passing has shown not only the depth of love felt for her, but the strength of communities when they come together in kindness. Through these acts of remembrance and generosity, her legacy will continue to make a difference to others during their darkest moments.