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4th June 2018

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Wales Air Ambulance has said goodbye to a dedicated member of the fundraising team in Mid-Wales, Helen Thomas.

Helen has been involved with the charity for several years and has helped raise thousands of pounds through her work within the local communities of rural Powys.

Helen said: “It all began for me many years ago with my husband’s dream of becoming a crew member. He chose to support the charity by going out and about across South Wales doing talks and in 2011 he received a secondment as a member of medical crew on board the Welshpool-based aircraft.”

“The charity quickly became a big part of our family life and fundraising was always something we took part in together.”

Helen, who relocated to Welshpool in 2011 with her husband Rhodri soon decided to increase her involvement with the charity. “In 2013 an opportunity presented itself to join the fundraising team which I could not turn down. It’s certainly a decision I have not regretted as I have loved every minute of my time working for WAA.”

From bucket collections to bicycle rides, Helen has overseen a myriad of events in aid of the helicopter charity. Helen recalls some of her fondest memories: “I remember being a support vehicle for the riders in the Air Base Challenge bike ride which saw cyclists tackle the roads of Mid-Wales to help fund a new airbase.”

“I also enjoyed the part of my role which gave me the chance to meet people who have benefited from Wales Air Ambulance. It really does put things into perspective when you meet patients and realise how many lives have been saved.”

Helen leaves the Charity to relocate to Australia with her husband Rhodri and two girls Lily and Sophie.

Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager Mark Stevens said: “We would like to thank Helen for her dedication to the charity and extend our gratitude to Rhodri for his support too. I know they will be both be missed by many and we wish them well in their future together in Australia.”

Helen added: “We as a family are so lucky to have been a part of Wales Air Ambulance. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who tirelessly fundraise for us. A special thanks also to the great team in Welshpool, whom I view as an extension of my own family.

“We would like to wish Wales Air Ambulance all the best in the future and we certainly will be keeping an eye on what’s happening from overseas.”