Funding boost for WAA operations at night

WALES Air Ambulance (WAA) has received a funding boost for night flying operations following a grant from the Postcode Community Trust.

The helicopter charity was recently awarded £15,300 to aid the purchase of specialist nightflying equipment for use by the onboard medical team, known as the Welsh flying medics, and the pilots.

The grant came after a successful application to the Postcode Community Trust, supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Mark Stevens, WAA fundraising manager, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you not only to the Postcode Community Trust for this grant but also the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. This extremely generous award will allow us to purchase night vision equipment which will prove invaluable during the darker evenings.”

Dr David Rawlinson, Welsh flying medics clinical informatics manager, said: “This funding is vital to support our work, particularly during the winter months where it will allow crews to respond by air from sunset until 8pm. The provision of night vision goggles and specialist helmets will also support the charity’s long-term vision of providing a 24/7 service.”

WAA provides emergency medical assistance by air 365 days a year. Operating from 8am to 8pm, it is the UK’s largest air ambulance operational with bases in Llanelli, Cardiff, Welshpool and Caernarfon. On average, the charity attends 2,500 missions a year and needs to raise £6.5 million annually to keep the helicopters flying.