Lifesaving service in plea for funds help

THE Wales Air Ambulance charity has launched an emergency appeal to support its life-saving work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many of the ways that the charity raises vital funds include face-toface public events and footfall through its shops and a cafe.

Following government advice, all the charity’s public activities have been postponed and its retail outlets have closed as the UK reacts to protect our society against the spread of the virus.

As an important front line service in the Welsh healthcare landscape, the Wales Air Ambulance service has a vital role in the response to the current pandemic, as well as continuing to attend non-virus-related medical incidents.

However, the public restrictions mean that the charity will see a significant decrease in the money that it can raise to maintain its operation.

As a result, online fundraising has become critical to its sustainability.

Mark Stevens, the charity’s South Wales fundraising manager, explained: “As a charity, we rely on the public’s incredible generosity to fund our four helicopters across Wales.

“We need to raise £6.5 million every year to keep the rotor blades turning.

“Many of our fundraising activities are no longer possible, so we are now asking our dedicated supporters to move their aid online.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance.

They include online donations, signing up to the charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home.

Further information can be found via www. walesairambulance.com.

Alternatively, you can help by donating £5 via the text to donate number, to do this just text HELI to 70711.

WAA has airbases at Dafen in Caernarfon, Llanelli, Welshpool and Cardiff.