Charity

The importance of remembering those who served across generations

Published

7 days ago

November 4, 2025

Tenby town councillor and Veterans’ Commissioner shares his reflections ahead of Remembrance events.

WALES Air Ambulance Trustee and Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, James Phillips, has urged people to “remember and recognise those that have served across the generations” as the nation prepares to mark Remembrance.

James Phillips served for 33 years in the British Army, with tours in Germany, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. He has commanded soldiers, sailors and air personnel, and worked within NATO, the Ministry of Defence, the Permanent Joint Headquarters and Army Headquarters.

After retiring as a Colonel, he was appointed Wales’ first Veterans’ Commissioner in 2022, and last year became a Trustee for Wales Air Ambulance.

James worked as an Afghan Police Transition Team Leader, pictured with local
children in Kabul in 2013 (Pic: James Phillips)

A time for reflection

James said: “Remembrance has been particularly poignant over the last few years, with big VE, D-Day and VJ Day anniversaries, and before that, the First World War commemorations.

“Sadly, those veterans are no longer with us, and there are very few of the Second World War generation left. It’s always very moving to have them alongside us at events. We must ensure their sacrifice and service are never forgotten.

“At the same time, we need to keep the commemorations contemporary. We recently marked the Falklands anniversary, and there are many still struggling following their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

James served in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles, pictured here with
colleagues at Hardwood Park, Belfast in 1992.

Honouring service in all its forms

Phillips said the week of remembrance allows people to come together to reflect and show gratitude.

“It’s a time to recognise their service and hopefully make all veterans feel valued for their contribution,” he said. “But equally, I can understand why some people choose not to take part because they find that period exceedingly difficult. Each of us deals with loss and reflection in our own way.”

This year, he plans to attend as many events as possible across Wales, as well as the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

“It’s a logistical challenge as I wear many hats – Commissioner, town councillor in Tenby, President of Tenby Sea Cadets and Vice-President of Tenby Royal British Legion,” he said. “But it’s always an honour to meet people, hear their stories and keep listening and learning.”

***Phillips as Defence Attaché to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, flag bearing at an event in 2019***

A lifelong calling

James says he was destined for a military career from a young age. “Growing up, all my toys were Action Men and Airfix kits,” he said. “I was drawn to all the old war movies like The Wild Geese and The Guns of Navarone. By the time I was fourteen, the Falklands War was unfolding, and it brought into focus service and the armed forces.”

After studying Geography at the University of Birmingham, he attended Sandhurst and joined the Royal Artillery, following in the footsteps of his uncle.

“As a young officer, our missile-firing training took us to Pembrokeshire, where I got to know Manorbier and Tenby quite well,” he said. “It’s where I met my wife after the first Gulf War.”

Supporting veterans in Wales

In 2020, as he approached retirement, James saw an advert for a new position – Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales.

“It was during Covid, when everyone was working from home, and I was already starting to make the transition from Army to civilian life,” he said. “I felt it was a role where I could make a difference.”

His work involves helping veterans and their families access support with healthcare, mental health, housing, and employment, while advocating for their needs nationally.

“I find the best way to engage with veterans is through activity rather than meetings,” he explained. “If you’re walking up a hill, sitting by a campfire or sleeping out, people speak more freely. It helps me understand their lives and challenges.”

From battlefields to air ambulances

James also collaborates closely with veteran-related charities across Wales and became a Trustee of Wales Air Ambulance in 2024.

“I know there are veterans and serving personnel among the air ambulance crew,” he said. “They bring a huge amount to any organisation – understanding missions, logistics and commitment. It takes immense effort, physically, intellectually and financially, to keep those red helicopters flying.”

He sits on the Charity’s Aviation Committee – familiar territory given his previous work in an air mobile brigade deploying troops by helicopter.

“Living in Tenby, I’ve often seen the air ambulance in action,” he said. “It brings the emergency department to people in their hour of need. Meeting past patients who have benefited is deeply moving.

“All of this is possible thanks to the Charity’s incredible supporters, staff and volunteers who keep the helicopters in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road. It’s hugely reassuring to know Wales Air Ambulance is there should any of us ever need it.”

Charity

Milford Haven student aims high with Kilimanjaro climb for Amnesty International

Published

19 hours ago

November 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Oxford University student Lily Walters to tackle Africa’s tallest mountain in 2026 charity challenge

A MILFORD HAVEN student, formerly a pupil at Haverfordwest High, is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime as she takes on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Amnesty International UK.

Lily Walters has signed up for the UK Kilimanjaro 2026 Student Challenge, which will take place from August 25 to September 3, 2026. She is aiming to raise £4,970 for the human rights charity, which campaigns for justice, equality and freedom across the world.

Lily said: “This challenge isn’t just about pushing myself outside my comfort zone — it’s about making a difference too. Every donation, big or small, will help me reach my target and support Amnesty International UK’s important work.”

So far, Lily has raised £145 from seven supporters, with donations continuing to come in through her JustGiving page. Messages of encouragement have included: “Go for it, girl!”, “Fantastic news, Lily — wishing you all the very best,” and “We are so proud of you!”

The nine-day trek will see students from across the UK journey to Africa to climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, reaching an altitude of almost 6,000 metres (19,000 feet). The challenge tests both physical endurance and mental strength, and participants are expected to train for months before departure.

Funds raised will go directly to Amnesty International UK (RCN 1051681), whose campaigns focus on issues such as refugees, children’s rights, women’s rights, and conflict-affected communities.

Those wishing to support Lily’s fundraising can visit her JustGiving page at:
👉 justgiving.com/fundraising/uk-kilimanjaro-25th-august-2026-student-choseachallenge-690a50b1eff9e

Determined student: Milford Haven’s Lily Walters, who studies at Oxford University, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2026 to raise funds for Amnesty International (Pic: JustGiving).

Charity

Fly-in raises funds for lifesaving air services

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING seventy-five aircraft flew into Haverfordwest Airport for a special fundraising weekend in August, raising hundreds of pounds for two lifesaving Welsh charities.

Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes were the beneficiaries of the event, which drew pilots and enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland.

Airport Director Charlotte Rees said: “It’s been a very special year for us. We took over the airport lease from Pembrokeshire County Council in April, and we wanted to mark the occasion with an event that would raise awareness and funds for two causes that mean a lot to our family and community.

“This was the first time we’d organised anything like this, and we were absolutely blown away by the turnout. We witnessed 155 aircraft movements over two days, with 100% of the landing fees going to Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes. It was a pleasure to meet so many pilots, aviation enthusiasts and supporters — both familiar faces and new connections.”

Family legacy takes flight

The Rees family has been connected to Haverfordwest Airport for three generations. Charlotte’s grandparents founded a flying school there in 1976, and in April this year the family secured the lease from the county council.

The 28-year-old said: “It was a very special moment for us. I really want to spread the word about what we do — I’m amazed that even some people living locally don’t realise we’re here.”

The airport is also home to Fly Wales, which provides air charter flights across the UK and Europe, including repatriation and medical transport services in partnership with the NHS.

Charlotte added: “We transport patients between hospitals, repatriate people from abroad, and even assist with organ transfers and neonatal movements for specialist care.”

Helping the helpers

Blood Bikes Wales, based at the airport, provides 24/7 medical transport for the NHS, delivering urgent supplies, blood, and equipment to hospitals across Wales.

Haverfordwest Airport is also a vital fuel supplier for Wales Air Ambulance, which delivers critical care to patients across the nation. The charity relies on public donations to raise £13 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The service is delivered in partnership with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), whose NHS consultants and critical care practitioners can perform anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions, and carry out minor operations at the scene of an incident.

Looking to the future

Charlotte said: “It’s in my nature to want to help people, whether through my work at Haverfordwest Airport or by supporting charities that save lives.

“I was originally training to be a pharmacist, but nine years ago my uncle — who ran the air charter with our Chief Pilot, Gwyndaf — sadly suffered a fatal heart attack. My dad, who runs our dairy farm next to the airport, stepped in to help, and I decided to take a year out to learn the ropes. I got my pilot’s licence, passed my commercial exams, and never looked back.”

Now expecting her first child in January, Charlotte says the family is “very excited” — and already planning next year’s event.

“It’s only been a few weeks since our open day, but we’re already talking about what we can do in aid of Wales Air Ambulance in 2026. We’d love to raise even more to help save lives.”

The open day and BBQ at Propellers Café raised over £693, divided equally between Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone at Haverfordwest Airport for their hard work during the Fly-In weekend. Over 75 aircraft travelled from across England, Scotland and Ireland — a fantastic way to bring the aviation community together and raise vital funds. Every pound makes a huge difference and helps save lives.”

Photo caption:

Haverfordwest Airport Director Charlotte Rees with Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire (Pic: Supplied).

Charity

Retired Carmarthenshire GP cycles Britain to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK

Published

6 days ago

November 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A RETIRED Carmarthenshire GP living with stage four bowel cancer has almost completed an extraordinary 874-mile cycling challenge to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Dr Mark Boulter, from Llandovery, has been cycling the virtual distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats by tackling the hilly roads around his home. A keen cyclist for many years, he decided to take on the challenge after his diagnosis, determined to make a difference while he still could.

All the money raised will support Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life for everyone affected by the disease.

At the time of writing, Mark has raised over £10,000 — smashing his initial target of £1,000 each for Bowel Cancer UK and Llandovery Hospital League of Friends.

“I was a GP and saw many people suffering from bowel cancer, and now I’m dealing with stage four cancer myself,” Mark said. “Knowing the cancer has spread, I realised that I had only limited time left and wanted to do something positive.”

Mark was first diagnosed in 2022 and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy before having a permanent stoma fitted in March 2023. When the cancer returned in his pelvis, surgery in December 2024 left him with severe damage to his right sciatic nerve.

Now unable to use his right foot, he rides an electric bike with a step-through frame and a special ankle brace for stability, using his left leg to power through the steep Carmarthenshire terrain.

“I was a keen cyclist growing up and helped set up a cycling club in Llandovery many years ago, so this challenge came naturally to me,” he said. “The hills make it tough, but I’ve built up from ten miles per session to more than fifty. My aim is to raise awareness as much as money, and to encourage people to stay active for as long as they can. Hopefully, I’ll finish this weekend with a 60-mile ride to visit my two grandchildren in Raglan.”

Michael Locke, Wales Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mark for choosing us as one of his charities. Nearly 2,400 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Wales — it’s the country’s fourth most common cancer. The money Mark has raised will help us to raise awareness, fund research, and support families affected by the disease. Every mile he’s cycled brings us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.”