More than 750 guests gathered at Swansea Arena for the Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards 2026, celebrating extraordinary young people from communities across Wales while raising vital funds for charity.
Hosted by BBC Wales presenter Gethin Jones, the prestigious event raised £46,594, with proceeds split equally between Wales Air Ambulance and mental health charity Big Moose.
Since launching in 2021, the Ascona Group Child of Wales and Child of Britain Awards have raised almost £350,000 for charitable causes.
Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of Wales Air Ambulance, said: “2026 has been a very special year for our Charity as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards for choosing Wales Air Ambulance as one of its beneficiaries during this milestone year.
“This inspiring event shines a light on the extraordinary young people making a difference in communities across Wales. It has been wonderful to hear their stories and see them receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”
She added: “As a Charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to ensure we can continue to be there for the people of Wales, whenever and wherever they need us.
“Since our first flight in March 2001, we have completed more than 58,400 missions. In 2025 alone, we attended more than 3,600 incidents, including over 400 involving children.
“That is why our partnership with the Child of Wales Awards is so important. Not only does it raise vital funds, but it also provides an invaluable platform to increase awareness of our lifesaving service.”
Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard treatments directly to patients at the scene of an incident. When required, crews can transfer patients directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
The service operates through a unique partnership between the charitable and public sectors. Wales Air Ambulance Charity must raise £13 million each year through public donations to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners are provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), delivering advanced treatments including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures at the scene.
As a pan-Wales service, dedicated crews travel the length and breadth of the country to provide emergency critical care wherever it is needed.
Blanche Sainsbury, Co-founder of the Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards, said: “We are overwhelmed every year by the incredible support our event receives.
“It is such an uplifting evening as we celebrate young people who are making a real difference through their courage, compassion and fundraising efforts in communities across Wales.
“We are hugely grateful to our sponsors and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event so special.
“This year’s awards exceeded all expectations once again and helped raise vital funds for our chosen charities, Wales Air Ambulance and Big Moose.
“It is with great pride that we can present a cheque for more than £23,000 to each charity and help make a lifesaving difference.”
The 2026 awards once again showcased the remarkable achievements of young people across Wales while generating vital support for two charities making a meaningful impact on lives every day.
