A local community group in Abersoch has raised £20,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance in nine years since it was formed.

The 35 members of Abersoch 60 voluntarily donate £60 each year to the lifesaving Charity. The most recent donation of £2,000 was presented to the Wales Air Ambulance’s community fundraiser Louise Courtnage at their annual social get together.

Abersoch 60, which was set up by Brian Holland and Jane Sproston, got its name after members originally had to be over 60 to join its popular group.

The Wales Air Ambulance celebrated its 21st anniversary on St David’s Day. Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.

Reflecting on why the lifesaving charity would benefit from the group’s donations, Andrea Holland from Abersoch 60 said: “A group of friends were having lunch in Abersoch, and we were discussing how essential the Wales Air Ambulance was to our local community, being so far from the nearest hospital. We all knew of several people in the local area who's lives had been saved by the immediate response and action of Wales Air Ambulance in getting them to hospital. We all agreed we would like to donate in some way.”

“A letter goes out to all members in early summer asking if they still wish to donate but there is no pressure, and it is purely voluntary. That first year we presented a cheque for £2,250 and for the nine years since a total of £20,000 has been raised. I would like to thank all past and present members for their support and generosity.”

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

Louise Courtnage said: “A huge thank you as always to all the members of Abersoch 60 who voluntarily donate money to our lifesaving Charity. Each year I get invited to a wonderful social gathering where they present a donation to our Charity. It is incredible to think these members have raised £20,000 for the Wales Air ambulance in nine years. Their continued support of the Charity enables us to be there for the people of Wales when they us the most 24/7.”

Abersoch 60, which welcome men and women, are always looking for new supporters. If anyone is interested in joining its group you can contact Andrea Holland via email [email protected].