A Swansea graphic design and printing company has announced it will be supporting the Wales Air Ambulance as its Charity Partner for the next two years. 

BDP Wales has committed to raising much-needed funds for the lifesaving charity which relies on donations to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles in operation across Wales 24/7.  

The Brynymor Road-based business celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and plans to support the Charity through a variety of fundraisers, sponsored events and discounted printing rates. 

BDP Wales has worked closely with the Wales Air Ambulance over the last year. In particular, by working on a number of the Charity’s printing projects. It is also one of the official partners for the Castles in the Sky art trail, which the Wales Air Ambulance is hosting in Swansea during the summer. 

Yasmine Grainger, Sales and Marketing Manager at BDP Wales, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Wales Air Ambulance as our chosen charity for the next two years. We have already been working closely with them over the last 12 months on several projects including being the print partner for ‘Castles in The Sky’. 

“At the start of the year, we were fortunate to visit the Charity’s Headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli, and had the opportunity to look inside the aircraft and to speak to one of the pilots who was more than happy to answer our questions.   

“The Wales Air Ambulance provide an amazing service across Wales, helping to save lives and providing emergency and critical care support to the public. As a business, we felt we should work with and support local charities. This is a great opportunity for us to do just that. 

“Our support will come in various forms including discounted printing, placing a collection box in our reception area and at business events that we attend. We will help support events the Charity organise as well as providing some fundraising ideas of our own. 

“BDP Wales have been providing quality graphic design and print services in and around Swansea since 1953 so this year, we celebrate 70 years in business. Our dedicated, professional, and friendly team boast a wealth of experience in the industry and are always on hand to discuss and advise on your design and print projects. We have recently launched our new brand which we will be rolling out at various business and networking events over 2023.” 

BDP Wales Managing Director Stuart Davies has already signed up to run the Llanelli Half Marathon in September in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.  

Yasmine added: “We will be running various prize draws over the next two years. We will keep people updated via our quarterly newsletter which goes out to our entire client base and via our social media platforms. We have a Just Giving page set up, so all donations will go directly to the charity. As a team we look forward to raising as much money as we can and giving our support wherever possible throughout 2023 and 2024.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £8 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.  

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, said: “BDP Wales has already shown their dedication to our lifesaving service, supporting many developments over recent months. This commitment to our Charity is something that we are incredibly grateful for and I offer my heartfelt thanks. 

 “There are many ways in which individuals and organisations can support our Charity. BDP is a great example of how businesses can contribute to our lifesaving service by supplying goods and services at a reduced rate, alongside traditional fundraising activities. It all helps us to ensure that as much money as possible goes directly to our frontline service for the benefit of the people of Wales.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care across Wales which is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).  

As a result, the service is consultant-led and is known as a ‘flying emergency department’, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient at the scene of an incident. This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident. 

Siany Martin, Corporate Fundraiser at the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely delighted that BDP Wales have chosen the Wales Air Ambulance as their charity for the next two years.  

“We have built up a good working relationship with them over the last year and we are looking forward to continue working closely with them through the various number of exciting projects we have planned for the year. 

“We can also rely on them to produce our printing products and their commitment will really help benefit the Charity as well as raise vital funds for our lifesaving service.” 

 To support BDP Wales Just Giving Page, visit BDP Wales is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (justgiving.com)