A pub chain has joined forces to help raise more than £10,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and dedication, twelve Marston's pubs across southwest Wales took part in a fundraising challenge that successfully raised an astounding £10,293.86 for the charity in just two months.

The pubs that took part included Swansea’s The Coach House, Cockett Inn, Plough & Harrow, Old Inn, Hen Dderwen, Vivian Arms Hotel and the Pontardawe Inn as well as Bridgend pubs, Llangewydd Arms, Red Dragon and the Two Brewers, the Seagull Hotel in Porthcawl and the Thomas Arms Hotel in Carmarthenshire.

Each pub held a series of in-house events, which included bucket collections, dart tournaments, auctions and raffles, which were well supported by colleagues and customers.

Communities got involved in supporting their “locals” with some even taking part in a trek to the Brecon Beacons to conquer Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in South Wales.

Two coachfuls of employees and supporters left the participating Marston’s pubs and fundraisers displayed unwavering determination, solidarity, and camaraderie with the panoramic view from the summit serving as a powerful reminder of their collective achievements.

The total amount of funds raised surpassed the pub chain’s initial £10,000 target.

Alan Beddow, Marston’s Area Operations Manager, came up with the fundraising idea and said the success of the charity challenge not only raised vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance but also underscored the strength of community and colleague bonds.

He said: “All of the pubs hold their own individual charity events throughout the year, but I wanted to select a charity that all of the pubs across the region could raise money for collectively. The Wales Air Ambulance supports everybody across Wales so I felt it was a Charity that would have an impact to our pubs, colleagues, and customers.

“Everyone was keen to get on board and everybody played their part, with some pubs going over and above. There was a bit of friendly competition between the pubs, the ones who raised the most attended a base visit to present the cheque to Wales Air Ambulance. The Two Brewers and The Pontardawe Inn raised over £2,000 each.

“As a collective, this is the first time we have done something like this, and I am very impressed by the commitment and dedication by everyone that took part. It helps to form good bonds with colleagues as well as with our loyal customers.

“I am really pleased that Marston’s has been able to raise over £10,000 to help the Wales Air Ambulance, which we believe is an important charity across Wales. We are glad we have been able to help fund future lifesaving missions.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

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

The Service is often described as a ‘flying emergency department’, however, it can also deliver the same standard of care by road via its fleet of rapid response vehicles.

This 24/7 service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.  

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated crews will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

Siany Martin, Wales Air Ambulance’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Thank you, Team Marston's, for your remarkable fundraising achievement of over £10,000. Your unwavering commitment and extraordinary efforts will help to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the ground.

“Your generosity fuels our mission at Wales Air Ambulance, and we are profoundly grateful for your support. Together, we soar to save lives.”