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28th March 2018

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A Gwynedd motor-club has taken their support for Wales Air Ambulance up a gear following a rally event.

The Bala and District Motor Club recently held their annual rally raising an impressive £5,000 for the helicopter charity.

The club fundraise through offering spectator parking and collect for the charity during events. This year’s event was also supported by Geoff Jones Motorsport and Quarry Explorer.

They began supporting Wales Air Ambulance in 2008 at the Gareth Hall Memorial Rally. Club President Kevin Roberts said: “Our first attempt got off to damp start, having invited Wales Air Ambulance to man the car park at the event. We had rain of biblical proportions on the day, but ten years on we are still fundraising annually for Wales Air Ambulance.”

In what has now become somewhat of a tradition over the last 3 years, local ex Nissan and Proton works driver Geoff Jones has auctioned the navigators seat on the rally which has raised upwards of £500 during each event. To date, the club has raised over £8,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.

Kevin added: “as a rural motor club the importance of the air ambulance can be literally life or death. Many of us live in remote areas or villages and its been proven time and time again that the air ambulance makes a real difference. Most of us will know someone that the service has helped – which is why it is so important to continue fundraising.”

WAA Fundraising Assistant Lynne Hughes said: “I remember that cold wet Trawsfynydd morning back in 2008 at the spectator car park. It’s heartening to see, ten years on that the club are continuing to fundraise for us. Their recent efforts take the total raised to over £8,000. We cannot thank them enough for their continued support which helps keep us flying our lifesaving missions across Wales.”