A North Walian woman celebrated turning 100 years old by giving a gift to Wales, raising donations to help fund Wales Air Ambulance’s missions across the country.

Barbara Gauler turned 100 in July, and to mark the big day her friends and family threw a birthday party, and Barbara collected donations for the Welsh helicopter charity in lieu of gifts.

By collecting donations at her birthday celebration Barbara raised a total of £778 for the charity, helping the charity raise the £6.5million needed every year to keep WAA’s four helicopters flying across Wales.

Each of Wales Air Ambulance’s missions cost around £1,500, funded entirely by charitable donations.

Mrs Gauler and her family visited the charity’s airbase in Caernarfon with her letter from the Queen, to present their donation to Wales Air Ambulance.

Kevin Morris, WAA Fundraising Coordinator, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Barbara for thinking of us on her birthday.

“Her amazing support is helping us to raise the funds needed to run our operations across Wales, so that we can fly to people in their hour of need.

“By collecting donations for Wales Air Ambulance in lieu of gifts, Barbara is helping to save lives across the country.

“We are incredibly touched by her kind support, and her generosity is playing a vital role in raising the donations needed to complete our missions.”