WALES AIR AMBULANCE says it is delighted to be celebrating its 24th anniversary of its lifesaving service.

Since its inception on St David’s Day in 2001, the Charity has attended over 52,000 missions across the whole country, and it has grown to be one of the largest and most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe. 

Wales Air Ambulance has grown immensely over the past 24 years, the Charity proudly has four aircraft covering the whole of Wales, as well has having a fleet of rapid response vehicles.

In December 2020, the Wales Air Ambulance introduced a helicopter to start flying at night, which enabled the Charity to reach more people in their worst moments.

The Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7, 365 days a year Wales-wide, thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales.

It is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

The service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Every year, the all-Wales Charity needs to raise £11.2 million to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road, relying solely on public donations.

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our 24th anniversary of being there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We’re proud of how far we have come from having a single aircraft based at Swansea Airport to the four helicopters and rapid response vehicles we have across Wales.

“The Charity would like to say a huge “thank you” to all its loyal supporters, its staff, volunteers, trustees, medics, pilots and allocators – past and present. Your passion and determination are the strong foundation upon which Wales Air Ambulance has been built. It’s because of you that we’re able to serve Wales and save lives 24/7. We look forward to being there for the people of Wales for the next 24 years and longer. Happy 24th Birthday Wales Air Ambulance!”

The Charity is marking the occasion with the return of its flagship event, Coffee and Cake.

To mark the Wales Air Ambulance’s birthday we have launched Coffee and Cake for the second year running. The beauty of this event is that it is open to everyone, and you can host your party at a time or place that suits you.

Get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and host your very own Coffee and Cake party during the month of March, whilst raising ‘dough’ for the Wales Air Ambulance.

For more information visit www.walesairambulance.com/coffee-and-cake

CHILDREN and young people of all abilities in Dinefwr now have the chance to experience horse riding, thanks to a £1,500 grant from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.

Dinefwr Riding Group in Carmarthenshire received the funding to help children and young people learn to ride, regardless of disability or background. The initiative, voted for by local shoppers at Tesco stores, allows the charity to subsidise lessons, making them accessible to all.

Ellen Gladders, a volunteer at Dinefwr Riding Group, said: “Seeing the smiles on the faces of these children as they connect with the horses is truly heartwarming.

“We are incredibly grateful to the local community for voting for Dinefwr Riding School to receive this grant. Their support means we can now offer riding lessons to everyone, no matter their age or abilities.

“It’s amazing to see how horse riding helps children with physical challenges build strength, while those with autism often find it incredibly calming and engage more easily afterwards. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our local residents.”

Founded in 1989, Dinefwr Riding Group operates on over 140 acres of farmland in the foothills of the Black Mountains. The charity runs sessions every Wednesday during school term time, welcoming children from special needs schools and local council referrals. A team of 13 volunteers works with children facing various challenges, from muscular conditions to autism.

Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are delighted to support Dinefwr Riding Group in their incredible work providing riding opportunities and fostering positive experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

“Supporting groups like Dinefwr through our Stronger Starts grant reflects our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities together.”

Tesco shoppers in Carmarthenshire can continue supporting local schools and children’s groups by placing their Stronger Starts blue tokens into the relevant voting box at store exits. The scheme, run in partnership with the charity Groundwork, funds community projects across the region, helping to make a lasting impact.

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE CAT RESCUE is looking for a new home for Freddie, a confident and affectionate seven-month-old ginger male.

Freddie has been neutered, flea-treated, wormed, microchipped, and vet-checked. He has also received his first vaccination.

Having only lived as a house cat, Freddie is young enough to transition to a home with outdoor access or remain an indoor pet. However, all adopted cats must be kept indoors for at least three weeks to allow them to settle and bond with their new family.

Freddie is both cat and dog-friendly, making him an ideal family pet. Playful and affectionate, he has a charming personality and is very people-orientated, making him a wonderful companion.

Adoption details

Anyone interested in adopting Freddie can message South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue on Facebook or comment on their post. If a home check is successful, adoptions usually proceed the same day.

All rescue cats are vet-checked on their adoption day for peace of mind. The adoption donation is £60, which goes directly towards helping the next cat in need.

Successful adopters must bring a secure cat carrier for transport. South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue does not rehome on Sundays or bank holidays.