A Wales Air Ambulance volunteer and her friends have raised an incredible £580 during a coffee afternoon for the lifesaving charity.

Volunteer Jen Harris, from Tywyn, has been volunteering in the Wales Air Ambulance Tywyn charity shop since 2014 and came up with the fundraising idea.

The sun shone during the successful coffee and cake afternoon, which was held on communal grass area located between Ffordd Dyfrig and Awel Dyfi in Tywyn.

Around 90 people attended the two-hour event and were treated to a variety of delicious cakes make by Jen and her friends.

The attendees were given a chance to win an iced triple layer Victoria sponge, which was 6" high by 12" wide, as well as a variety of raffle prizes.

This is the first year that the coffee afternoon has taken place and due to its success Jen and her friends are hoping to hold another event next year.

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.  

Abigail Severn, the Wales Air Ambulance Tywyn shop manager, said: “Thank you to everyone who not only baked a cake but also donated a prize for the raffle or attended the event. We’re delighted that the coffee and cake afternoon raised so much money.

“I’m immensely proud of Jen and her friends for raising this wonderful amount for our Charity in such a short amount of time and I’ll look forward to seeing what they can achieve next year. Everyone one of you that took part, or attended the event are helping save lives across the country.”

The shop, which is on the High Street, is looking for volunteers, if you can spare any of your free time it would be much appreciated. Feel free to pop in for a chat regarding volunteering.

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with innovative ways to fundraise. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com.  

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.