A successful CowBoi Fest, which was held in Tafarn y Roosters, Penrhyncoch, has raised £1,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

Mearina James organised the event after the charity’s medics were called out to her husband Alun in 2001 and father-in-law Gareth James, in 2017, when they suffered farming accidents. Sadly, Gareth later passed away in hospital.

Her son Aled Owen was also flown to hospital 15 years ago when he suffered lung problems from pneumonia and sepsis.

Mearina who owns a calf rearing enterprise, received support and help from the team at Tafarn Y Roosters and other local people in arranging the event.

CowBoi Fest featured live music from two bands -The Twurzels and Smoking Guns, as well as an auction and BBQ. There were prizes on the night for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl.

This was the first CowBoi Fest at Penrhyncoch and despite the uncertainty of whether it would be able to go ahead with the covid restrictions it was a great success.

A delighted, Mearina, said: “It was great to raise a good sum of money for Wales Air Ambulance, thanks to the generosity of everyone who supported the event, from donating auction prizes, raffles and the great turn out of people.  CowBoi Fest had two live Bands, The Twurzels and Smokin Guns, BBQ, dancing and everyone was enjoying themselves!”

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.  

Mearina is no stranger to raising funds for the lifesaving charity, which is close to her family’s heart, she has previously raised £500 by running the Cardiff Half Marathon.

She added: “The reason why I wanted to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance is that its saved so many lives including my husband who had been crushed by a machine on the farm. My father-in-law was also rescued by the Wales Air Ambulance but unfortunately died at a later date in hospital. My son was also flown to hospital when he suffered lung problems. We as a family regularly donate to the charity and are so grateful to Wales Air Ambulance.”

Dougie Bancroft, the Charity’s Community Fundraiser, said: “The first CowBoi Fest was a wonderful event for all ages. The family know first-hand how important the charity is to the people of Wales, especially in rural areas. It’s really heartwarming to hear that they have continue to raise funds for the charity. Thank you to everyone who supported Mearina and Alun in organising this wonderful event. Your support means the Wales Air Ambulance can continue to be there for people across the country when they need us most. Thank you very much.” 

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. 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.