A group of Harley Davidson bikers have raised more than £5,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The Welsh Dragon Chapter Cardiff, a club attached to the worldwide organisation, the

Harley Davidson Owners Group, held a number of fundraising events throughout the year including a winter ball at the Vale Resort in Hensol in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The group raised £5,094.65 by holding raffles at the club’s monthly meetings and through a biker’s rally that is held locally every year. The chapter’s group members auctioned items and sold unused clothes and motorcycle parts to raise money. 

Doug Burridge, Membership Officer of the Welsh Dragon Chapter Cardiff, said every year chapters from different areas raise funds for chosen charities and the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen by the bikers.

He said: “Our chapter decided to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance because of the number of motorcyclists the Charity has helped.

“As part of our fun and games we attend rallies all over the UK and Europe, and at these events, money is raised for the organising chapter’s chosen charity. This is done through raffles and auctions etc.”

The club also has a Ladies of Harley section, who hold cake sales and other activities throughout the year to assist with the fundraising.

Doug said: “We were hoping to raise around £3,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, but then we decided to host a winter ball at the Vale Resort, and with the raffles and auction on the night, we were increase that to the £5,000.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its four helicopters in the air and fleet of rapid response vehicles on the road.

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care that 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. This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident. 

Laura Coyne, Community Fundraising Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “I was incredibly fortunate to be in invited to the winter ball and it was a privilege to meet a number of the members from the Welsh Dragon Chapter Cardiff. It was a lovely evening and a great time was had by all.

“The group have raised an exceptional amount and their fundraising efforts will help us to be there for the people of Wales when they need us the most.

“On behalf of the Charity, I would like to thank everyone involved for their generosity and for choosing the Wales Air Ambulance as their Charity of Choice.”