NATWEST CYMRU has announced it will extend its charity partnership with Wales Air Ambulance into 2026 after staff fundraising efforts raised more than £31,000 for the lifesaving service.

The total of £31,650 is enough to fund the cost of nine emergency missions.

Staff across Wales were asked to vote for their chosen charity last year, with Wales Air Ambulance receiving almost 60% of the final vote.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said the partnership had been a significant achievement for staff and customers alike.

“We’ve had such a fantastic year working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, learning about what it does and understanding why it is so important,” she said.

“This is the first time our franchise in Wales has been able to choose its own charity, and we are incredibly proud to be able to hand over a cheque for £31,650.

“Every part of Wales can benefit from the services Wales Air Ambulance provides.”

Ms Shipman stressed that the money was raised entirely through staff-led fundraising.

“People might see that amount and think this is a big bank with big purse strings, but I can honestly say every single penny was raised through staff volunteering,” she said.

“There were bucket collections, fundraising events, and we could not have done it without the support of our family, friends and wonderful customers.”

She added that the decision to extend the partnership reflected shared values.

“At NatWest we are about supporting communities, helping people thrive and sometimes even changing lives through the work that we do,” she said.

“There are natural synergies between us and Wales Air Ambulance, which is why we have decided to continue supporting this incredible service as it prepares to mark its 25th anniversary.”

Over the past twelve months, NatWest Cymru staff have taken part in a wide range of fundraising activities, including abseiling down a church in Rhyl and skydiving in Swansea.

Kirstin Jenkins, Local Director for North and West Wales branch banking and Deputy Chair of the Regional Board, said the enthusiasm shown by staff had been remarkable.

“It’s been great fun,” she said. “Everyone has really rallied together and come up with outstanding ideas to help us raise awareness and as much money as possible.”

She highlighted events such as a coffee and cake fundraiser in Brecon during the Jazz Festival, and Wales Air Ambulance’s involvement at the start and finish of the Team GB Baton Relay.

“One of the most surprising things for many of us was learning that Wales Air Ambulance relies entirely on fundraising and public support,” Ms Jenkins said.

“That was a huge motivation. People understand that this service could impact their life tomorrow if they ever needed it.”

Gemma Yorke, Director of Business Banking for NatWest, said coordinating around five hundred staff across Wales had been a major achievement.

“We are split across many divisions, but we have all worked together to support the charity staff chose,” she said.

“A big part of this partnership has also been raising awareness. People see the helicopter in the sky, but don’t always stop to think about what is happening on the ground.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity delivers consultant-led, hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients and, where needed, transfers them to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity relies on public donations to raise around £13 million each year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road, with NHS consultants and critical care practitioners supplied through the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.

Abi Pearce, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Wales Air Ambulance, said the support from NatWest Cymru had been invaluable.

“We are profoundly grateful for the outstanding £31,650 raised, which is the equivalent cost of nine lifesaving missions,” she said.

“It has been an incredible year of collaboration, travelling across Wales to keep up with the fantastic fundraising efforts.

“We are delighted the partnership will continue into 2026 as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

Joint £40,000 gift ensures vital support is available when children need it most

TWO Cardiff families have joined forces to fund the NSPCC’s Childline service across the whole of the UK on Christmas Day, ensuring children have somewhere to turn during one of the toughest times of the year.

The Peterson family and the Bowles family are each donating £20,000 as part of the charity’s One Unforgettable Day project. Their combined £40,000 contribution will cover the entire cost of running Childline for 24 hours on 25 December.

Childline operates 12 bases nationwide and offers a free, confidential service to anyone under 19, available day and night, 365 days a year. The festive period is often one of the most demanding for counsellors and volunteers; between 24 December 2024 and 4 January 2025, Childline delivered 4,261 counselling sessions.

Young people reach out to Childline for a range of reasons at Christmas, including mental health struggles, family tensions, financial worries, loneliness, and increased risks of abuse or domestic violence. With schools closed and regular support networks unavailable, demand for help typically rises.

Childline relies heavily on donations, fundraising and charitable partnerships. The support of Alan, Maggie and Hywel Peterson, and Nathan and Claire Bowles and their four children, will ensure counsellors are available throughout Christmas Day for any young person who needs them.

Hywel Peterson MBE, Chair of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, said:
“It’s an honour to help fund Childline across the whole of the UK this Christmas. This joint donation will ensure our dedicated staff and volunteers are there to support any child who needs us.”

Cardiff entrepreneur Nathan Bowles added:
“We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some children, so our family is delighted to be joining forces with the Petersons this year to support this vital service.”

Louise Israel, Childline team manager at NSPCC Cymru’s Cardiff base, said:
“While children and young people need Childline all year round, we speak to many who find this time of year particularly difficult. It is only with the support of such generous people as the Peterson and Bowles families that our staff and volunteers can continue to be here throughout the Christmas holidays. This kindness will genuinely make a difference.”

Children can call Childline free on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Long-running 3 Amigos and Dollies group marks 25 years of support

THANKS to outstanding fundraising by the Pembrokeshire-based 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group, Hywel Dda Health Charities has funded a major improvement of the outdoor play area at Cilgerran children’s ward in Glangwili Hospital — a project costing more than £15,000.

The 3 Amigos and Dollies have supported Hywel Dda University Health Board’s children’s services for twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas toy runs becoming landmark dates in the local calendar, drawing hundreds of bikers and supporters from across west Wales.

The latest funding has delivered a full transformation of the ward’s outdoor space, including a re-sprayed graffiti wall, new toys and play equipment, a summer house, improved storage, and a moveable ramp to make the area more accessible for young patients. Members of the group even volunteered to help paint and refresh the space themselves.

Paula Goode, Service Director for Planned and Specialist Care, said: **“We are so grateful to the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group for their amazing support. Not only have they raised an incredible amount for the ward, but they have given their time to help make the outdoor space as special as possible.

“Outdoor play greatly reduces stress and anxiety for children, and it provides a vital opportunity to meet other young people going through similar experiences. It benefits both their physical and mental wellbeing, so we couldn’t be happier with the transformation.”

Tobi Evans, a volunteer with the fundraising group, said: “Because of the generosity of everyone who donates, we are able to give thousands each year. We are always humbled by how much people give, and it’s thanks to them that we’ve reached our 25th year.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “We can’t thank the 3 Amigos and Dollies enough for their support for Cilgerran ward. You have put a smile on so many faces. Diolch yn fawr!”

Hywel Dda Health Charities funds items, equipment and activities that go beyond core NHS funding, making a meaningful difference to children and families across mid and west Wales.