THE PRINCE OF WALES has praised the lifesaving work of Wales Air Ambulance as the charity marked its 25th anniversary with a gala fundraiser.

The charity’s Royal Patron attended the special dinner at Celtic Manor, Newport, on Friday, June 26, joining volunteers, former patients, crew members, partners and supporters to celebrate a quarter of a century of emergency critical care across Wales.

Hosted by television and radio presenter Jason Mohammed, the event raised £180,000 for the charity, including more than £85,000 in sponsorship from corporate supporters.

Since its launch on St David’s Day in 2001, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a single aircraft operating limited hours into a nationwide, 24-hour service. Its crews now have access to four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles, delivering advanced hospital-standard care at roadsides, homes, mountainsides, coastlines and other emergency scenes.

The charity has attended more than 57,000 missions since it was founded.

Speaking at the event, the Prince paid tribute to the crews and supporters who have helped build the service.

He said: “For 25 years, Wales Air Ambulance has provided a vital service to people and communities across Wales. In life-threatening moments, its crews have brought advanced critical care directly to those in greatest need, offering help and hope.”

He also praised the charity’s international reputation and its focus on evidence-based care.

The Prince said: “Wales Air Ambulance has earned an international reputation for the service it delivers, and for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making that helps ensure the best possible care for the people of Wales.”

The evening also featured powerful patient stories, including an address from former patient Alan Owen, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing walking football in April 2022.

Alan was without a heartbeat for eight minutes before being revived by those around him. Wales Air Ambulance clinicians then provided advanced critical care at the scene, stabilising him and helping coordinate the onward treatment that saved his life.

Reflecting on his experience, Alan told guests: “There is no doubt in my mind that without the Wales Air Ambulance, I would not be standing here today.”

He also spoke about the lasting impact on families, describing loved ones as “co-survivors” whose trauma is different but no less real.

He added: “I have been given more time. Time with my family. Time that I would not have had without this charity.”

Wales Air Ambulance chief executive Dr Sue Barnes said the milestone was a moment to reflect on how far the service had come.

She said: “When the service launched in 2001, it was one aircraft. Today, it is a truly national service, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a transformation that has helped save countless lives and touched not just patients but their families.”

Dr Barnes said the charity’s development had only been possible because of public support across Wales.

She added: “The charity’s evolution is all the more remarkable because it is powered by a nation of just over three million people. A small country, with a huge heart. So, as we mark this milestone, we do so with pride and gratitude.

“For everyone who has given their time, expertise, commitment and support, thank you.

“This service belongs to the people of Wales. We are your air ambulance, and we exist because of you.”

The gala included fundraising activities and a live auction, with exclusive experiences and prizes donated in support of the charity.

The event was sponsored by Ascona Group, Gama Aviation, Bibado and Redkite Solicitors.

Wales Air Ambulance said the anniversary was not only a celebration of the past 25 years, but also a reminder of the continued need for support to ensure crews can reach more patients across Wales when they need help most.

THE RSPCA has urged people to call police immediately if they see an animal trapped in a hot car during the heatwave.

The charity says members of the public should not call the RSPCA first in an emergency, because only police have the legal power to force entry to a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress.

Lauren Bennett, animal welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA does not have the legal power to enter a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress — only the police have the power to do this.

“So please, if you see a dog or any other animal inside a hot car, call 999 immediately. Every second really does count in this situation and it is vital to get the animal out of that environment and safely cooled down as soon as possible.”

The warning comes as high temperatures continue to pose a serious risk to pets, wildlife and farm animals.

The RSPCA said a car can become a “death trap” for dogs, even on a warm or cloudy day, with temperatures inside vehicles rising rapidly in just a few minutes.

Ms Bennett said: “This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still do not appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan.

“Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two, but we know that this is all it takes for temperatures inside a car to soar to dangerous levels.

“A hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that.”

The charity is also urging pet owners to keep animals cool, calm and comfortable by making sure they have constant access to fresh water, shade, ventilation and cooler areas away from direct sunlight.

Owners are being reminded to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The current advice, endorsed by the Royal Veterinary College, is known as “Cool First, Transport Second”.

Anyone who believes an animal is suffering from heatstroke should stop all activity, move the animal away from the heat, begin cooling it with water cooler than body temperature, and then take it to a vet in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle while continuing the cooling process.

The RSPCA says people should call ahead to let their vet know they are coming.

Figures from inspiring vet care, which has recently partnered with the RSPCA, show its vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke incidents in 2025. Of those, 234 happened during the summer months.

The number of suspected heatstroke cases was up 28 per cent on 2024, when 277 incidents were recorded.

The charity said it is not only dogs that are at risk. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, poultry, horses, fish and reptiles can all suffer in extreme heat.

Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet at the RSPCA, said cats and rabbits can also suffer sunburn, particularly white-furred animals or those with little or no hair.

She said: “To keep them safe, you can gently apply some pet-safe, waterproof sun cream — at least factor 30 — to the front and back of the tips of your pet’s ears and a bit on the furless part of their nose.

“Signs of skin cancer in pets include redness and soreness, especially on the tips of the ears, or crusting around the ears — so if you notice this, it is important to take your pet to the vet.”

The RSPCA is also asking people to help wildlife by leaving out bowls of fresh water, checking long grass before mowing or strimming, searching bonfires before lighting them, and keeping ponds topped up during hot weather.

Pet owners are advised to provide shade throughout the day, keep indoor areas well ventilated, avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day, check small animals and poultry twice daily for flystrike, and keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight.

The charity said outdoor event organisers should also warn visitors about the dangers of heat-related illness in dogs and encourage owners to leave pets at home during very hot weather.

RSPCA warns missing a walk is safer than risking heatstroke

DOG owners are being urged to keep their pets indoors and avoid normal walking routines as extreme heat affects Wales and England.

The RSPCA has called for “lockdown-style caution” for dogs over the next 24 to 48 hours, warning that walks, ball games and energetic exercise could put pets at serious risk.

The charity says owners should change routines immediately, keeping dogs cool, calm and comfortable indoors until temperatures ease.

Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, said: “During a red weather warning, dog owners should think of it like a temporary lockdown for their pets.

“For the next 24 to 48 hours, routines need to immediately change. This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise.

“It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.”

The warning comes as the peak of the current heatwave is forecast for today and tomorrow, with temperatures potentially reaching 39C in some areas.

The RSPCA says dogs should only be taken outside briefly for toilet breaks, ideally to the nearest grassy area, before being brought straight back indoors.

Owners are advised to provide fresh water in several places, close curtains in sunny rooms, use fans safely, and allow dogs to rest on cooler floors, cooling mats or damp towels.

Mental stimulation, such as puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and gentle indoor training games, can be used instead of exercise.

Ms Bennett added: “These temperatures won’t last forever, but the decisions owners make over the next couple of days could have a lasting impact on their pets.

“For now, the message is simple: pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual.”

The charity is also reminding owners to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, confusion, weakness, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The RSPCA said vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke cases in 2025, with two thirds recorded during the summer months.

Anyone concerned about a dog showing signs of heatstroke should move the animal to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, begin cooling with cool—not ice-cold—water, and contact a vet immediately.