THE WALES AIR AMBULANCE charity is urging the public to continue their support after a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Even if the conflict were to end in the coming days, the Charity warns it would still face additional costs of around £50,000 due to sustained increases in global fuel prices.

Every day, Wales Air Ambulance crews respond to some of the most serious medical emergencies across the country, reaching people who are critically ill or seriously injured. Missions often involve long-distance flights, with medics travelling to patients before transferring them to specialist hospitals in Wales or England for urgent treatment.

Wales Air Ambulance pilot Captain James Gardiner said: “Every time we take off, we know someone on the ground is relying on us during one of the worst moments of their life. Fuel isn’t just a cost for us – it’s what allows us to take A&E-standard care to patients wherever they are in Wales, and then take them to the most appropriate specialist centre for their needs.

“When fuel prices rise this sharply, it has a real impact. The support we receive from the public genuinely helps keep us flying, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this service possible.”

Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, the Charity has seen a significant increase in fuel costs, coinciding with a seasonal rise in air ambulance demand. Spring and summer typically bring longer daylight hours and improved flying conditions, leading to increased operational activity.

The Charity is asking supporters to consider donating – however small – to help offset these exceptional costs and ensure crews can continue to respond when they are needed most.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, bringing hospital-standard treatments directly to patients and, where necessary, transferring them to the most appropriate hospital for their condition. The service is delivered through a unique partnership between the third sector and the NHS.

It relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required each year to keep helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work alongside the Charity’s crews. This advanced level of care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and perform minor surgical procedures at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, crews travel across the country to deliver emergency, lifesaving care wherever it is needed.

Dr Barnes said: “The war in the Middle East has created an unexpected and, we hope, temporary challenge. Rising fuel costs are a serious issue for air ambulance charities across the UK and reflect global factors beyond our control.

“Global fuel markets do not respond instantly to geopolitical change, and we anticipate that any reduction in costs following the end of the war would be gradual and spread over a prolonged period. This means the financial impact on the Charity would continue well beyond the immediate end of the conflict.

“When someone’s life is at risk, our crews must be ready to fly, no matter the distance or the time of day.

“While we carefully manage these increases, we are also asking supporters, if they are able, to help us mitigate this exceptional rise in fuel costs.

“We know that many people across Wales are facing rising costs in their own lives, and we don’t take lightly the decision to ask for help.”

To find out more or to donate, visit: https://www.walesairambulance.com/fuel-cost-appeal

New sessions offer dog owners in Pembrokeshire a chance to get fit alongside their pets through the fast-growing sport of canicross

A NEW dog-powered sport is coming to Milford Haven, giving local people and their pets a fresh way to get active together.

Dog trainer Tamsin Mathias, founder of Welsh Underdogs Canicross and Welsh Underdogs Dog Training, has introduced certified DogFit canicross classes to the area after qualifying as an instructor.

Canicross is a growing sport in which runners are attached to their dogs by a harness and bungee line, allowing the dog to run ahead and help create shared momentum. The sport combines cross-country running with dog handling and is becoming increasingly popular among owners looking for a more active partnership with their pets.

Ms Mathias said she was proud to bring DogFit training to Milford Haven.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to be bringing DogFit training to the Milford Haven area.

“Canicross is such an empowering sport. It builds confidence in both dogs and handlers, improves fitness, and creates a real sense of partnership.

“I’m excited to help more people get started safely and enjoy it as much as I do.

“I’m also excited to be representing DogFit through Welsh Underdogs. They’re a fantastic UK-based company, and I’m excited to be working with them to help make canicross accessible to more people.”

Her new qualification means she can now offer structured canicross classes as well as one-to-one sessions, with the nearest certified training previously based near Cardiff.

Ms Mathias already holds professional qualifications with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and the Dog Training College. She runs with her spaniel-beagle cross Toby and has experience competing in events including Canix Fur Nations and Red Warrior.

She will be offering DogFit’s Couch to 5K canicross courses, helping dog owners of all abilities to get involved through group classes and personalised coaching. Training will also include guidance on equipment, running technique and dog fitness.

As a certified dog trainer, Ms Mathias said dog welfare and ethical training methods remain central to her work.

She said: “Toby is a very high-energy breed, and even though we do agility, I felt that he needed a job to do.

“Canicross has become his job, and our bond has strengthened as a result.

“I’ve also introduced my nervous collie to the sport, and he is coming on in leaps and bounds.”

Canicross is said to offer physical and mental benefits for both dogs and owners, while also helping improve behaviour and providing access to a supportive outdoor community.

Details of upcoming classes and training sessions are available through the Welsh Underdogs Canicross website and Welsh Underdogs Dog Training social media pages.

Caption:

Tamsin Mathias and Toby are bringing certified canicross classes to Milford Haven (Pic: Supplied)

Pembroke church will mark completion of major restoration project with ringing, refreshments and an exhibition of photographs

ST MARY’S CHURCH in Pembroke will hold a special service on Sunday (May 10) at 3:00pm to bless its newly restored bells and three new bells added as part of the project.

The service is expected to be a significant occasion for the church and the town, with refreshments available before and after, along with plenty of bell ringing to mark the celebration. Photographs showing the restoration work will also be on display.

The event will also reflect the long-standing link between the town’s mayors and St Mary’s bells.

Former Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Dennis Evans, famously climbed the church’s narrow tower steps in full regalia to inspect the bells during his term of office.

Organisers say it is fitting that Pembroke’s new Mayor, Cllr Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, will take part in the service at the beginning of his mayoral year.

The celebration is expected to draw local residents, church supporters and those with an interest in Pembroke’s history, as St Mary’s marks the completion of a project that has preserved an important part of the town’s heritage.

Photo caption:

Tower visit: Former Mayor Dennis Evans views the bells at St Mary’s Church during a previous visit (Pic: supplied).