Despite being away from family and friends, the Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) crews who were on duty this Christmas Day were able to enjoy traditional Christmas dinners thanks to the generosity of local restaurants.

Every day throughout the Christmas and New Year period, WAA will have medical teams on standby to attend those in need, wherever they may be in Wales. Consultants, critical care practitioners and pilots will be at each of the Charity’s four bases, and on Christmas Day they took delivery of a specially prepared dinner.

The Dafen-based crew enjoyed their Christmas lunch courtesy of The Bridge in Llangennech, a tradition that stretches back over the past few years.

The Cardiff–based crew received their Christmas gift in the form of a four-course dinner from award-winning head chef Mark Freeman at Hilton Cardiff.

The generous team at the Royal Oak in Welshpool supplied a warming Christmas dinner to the nearby duty crew at Mid Wales Airport.

On the North Wales coast, the Caernarfon crew were treated to the festive fare of local chef Iwan Wyn Williams.  

Angela Hughes, WAA Chief Executive, said: “The Charity is extremely grateful to the Bridge Inn, Cardiff Hilton, the Royal Oak and Iwan. The generosity shown to us by people and organisations across Wales is overwhelming. This is another example of how our crews are supported, allowing them to enjoy one of the biggest Christmas traditions while being on duty.”

Service Manager Mark Winter added: “We are on duty 365 days a year for those who need us. Christmas is a time for families to come together and enjoy, and we want them to do so safe in the knowledge that if anything unfortunate were to happen, we are there to help.”