Published: 18 March 2024

The Radnor Twurzels held a successful pudding night that raised an incredible £3,820 for a lifesaving charity.

As well as lots of tasty puddings being served, the event included a performance and raffle in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

The Radnor Twurzels are from the Rhayader area and perform a range of comedy style songs for cabaret.

The fundraiser, in Pantydwr, was organised after a member needed the Wales Air Ambulance’s help.

The charity, which is funded by the people of Wales, relies entirely on charitable donations to raise £11.2 million every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road across Wales.

Wales Air Ambulance has attended over 48,000 missions and is on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This is the first time that Radnor Twurzels and friends have fundraised for the lifesaving charity and when they first came up with the idea they hoped to raise £1,500. They were ‘completely overwhelmed’ at the amount they raised in one night for the cause.

Gareth Price from Radnor Twurzels said: “We wanted to raise money because one of our members needed the service and without the Wales Air Ambulance they may not have survived.

“The evening was in the form of a concert with some other family members and friends taking part. We held a raffle and had tremendous prizes donated by many local businesses and individuals and also a staggering amount of homemade puddings by friends.”

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. 

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. 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.  

Laura Coyne, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser Manager said: “The Radnor Twurzels and friends held a highly successful fundraiser for our cause after the charity’s medics came to the aid of one of its members.  They personally know how important our service is and we are touched that they wanted to raise funds to show their appreciation.

“The event raised an incredible £3,820 for the Wales Air Ambulance in just one night! It sounds like it was a fantastic evening and really enjoyed by everyone who attended the event. Thank you to everyone who took part, attended the event, baked delicious puddings or donated prizes for the raffle. You have all played a part in helping us to continue serving the people of Wales and saving lives.”