Published: 16 May 2024

Wales Air Ambulance’s dedicated supporters raised plenty of ‘dough’ during its first Coffee and Cake fundraising event.

The month-long event, which coincided with the Charity’s 23^rd birthday, allowed people to meet up virtually or in person, and raised over £19,000.

The beauty of the fundraiser saw people of all ages not only bake cakes but hold different events throughout the country. The Coffee and Cake fundraising campaign enabled participants to choose a time and place that suited them. It was a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends or family for coffee and cake, whilst fundraising.

Some of the fundraisers included North Wales primary school - Ysgol Bro Llifon, their successful event raised over £500.

The school also held a competition to create bunting that would represent the work of the Wales Air Ambulance. The bunting was put on display in the hall during the run-up to the event and was on pride of place during the Coffee and Cake fundraiser.

Ysgol Bro Llifon headteacher Swyn Maelor said: “Every class set about cooking a variety of cakes for the afternoon. A letter was sent to all parents and on the school social media asking for their support.

“All the school children had the opportunity in the afternoon to have a drink and cake. We weren't sure how many parents would attend but before long the parents were crowding around the school. We were amazed at how much support was received.”

Wales Air Ambulance 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.

It 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.

Ffion Griffiths, from Bodedern, also kindly held an event at her workplace in Bryngwran, on behalf of the Charity, and she saw her donations total to £450.

Phae Jones, Director of Income Generation at the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely delighted that once again our supporters came out in force to raise vital funds for our cause. A huge thank you to everyone who held their own Coffee and Cake event to raise funds for our charity. This is the first year that we held our ‘Coffee and Cake’ event and to raise over £19,000 is amazing. It was lovely to hear people of all ages took part in our fundraiser to mark our 23 years of service to the people of Wales.

“The charity replies on fundraising events, like this, to keep our four helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Thank you for raising plenty of ‘dough’!”

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Charity has lots of events and initiative taking place across the year, for further information visit www.walesairambulance.com/events.