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19th July 2018

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A pensioner from rural Pembrokeshire has helped to fund the lifesaving work of Wales Air Ambulance, raising over £2,000.

Mrs Winnie James from Crymych raised an incredible £2,700 for the helicopter charity at her recent 80th birthday celebrations.

The birthday party which was held at the ‘Nant Y Ffîn’ Hotel near Llandissilio proved popular, with over fifty people attending to help Winnie celebrate reaching the grand old age of eighty.

Winnie, who is renowned for her cooking skills and kindness to the local community recently received an award from S4C’s Magazine show ‘Prynhawn Da’. The ‘Halen Y Ddaear’ award was bestowed upon her for services to the local area.

Originally from Pontargothi but now living in Crymych, Winnie maintains a close connection to her former rural Carmarthenshire home as the organist for the local Chapel.

Speaking about her donation to the helicopter charity Winnie said: “I think it’s important that the money goes to a good cause. Thankfully, I have never had to rely on the services of the air ambulance but it’s a comfort to know that it’s there for my grandchildren should they ever need it.”

Wales Air Ambulance community coordinator Elin Murphy said: “We would like to wish Winnie a very happy birthday and thank her for this very generous donation. She truly is a remarkable lady and a credit to her family and the local community.”

The cheque was presented to the charity by Winnie during Tuesday’s (17/7) episode of Prynhawn which aired on S4C.

Elin added: “Winnie’s donation is going to help so much. With each mission costing on average £1,500, she has certainly helped to keep the four helicopters flying for the people of Wales.”