A successful community dog event in Pembrokeshire fetched in £1,750 for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Paws on the Beach, saw a variety of different dogs breed come together to take part in the ‘pawsome’ beach walk and dog show.
Paws on the Beach, which was organised by Lamphey Women’s Institute, was held on Freshwater East Beach on Sunday 5 October.
The event saw nearly 100 waggy tails get involved over the course of the event.
There were a variety of novelty dog shows including categories such as Waggiest Tail and Best fancy dress for the beach. Foxecombe Cat and Dog Boarding had the hard job of judging the winners on the day.
Participants were encouraged to undertake a full length walk of Freshwater East beach, and the dogs were lucky enough to receive a free home-made bandana. Each furry friend also received a certificate for participating.
Lamphey Women’s Institute is fundraising for the all-Wales Charity after choosing the lifesaving service as its Charity of the Year.
All paws were on board from Lamphey Women’s Institute and Wales Air Ambulance who had over 20 volunteers attending to help make the event run smoothly and a huge success.
There were many organisations supporting the event including a £300 community donation from Valero and many local businesses and organisations supported the raffle.
President of Lamphey Women’s Institute, Liz Neame, said: “Lamphey WI were pleased to organise the inaugural Paws on the Beach event in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, which was held in the glorious setting of Freshwater East. About 100 dogs of all shapes and sizes came with their owners to take part in the event.
“A fun dog show was judged by Ceri and Lisa from Foxcombe Cat and Dog Boarding and local crafts were on sale at Jack’s at the Longhouse.
“Grateful thanks to all those who supported the event, and to the volunteers, both on the day and beforehand and to Valero for their generous donation.”
The 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.
It 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.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, said: “Paws on the Beach was a wonderful day for all ages and the event ‘fetched’ in an incredible £1,750 for our all Wales Charity. It was wonderful that so many dogs and their owners attend to make it a ‘pawsome’ day!
“The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like Paws on the Beach, was a lovely way to spend time walking with your dogs with your friends or family, whilst raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
“A huge thank you to Lamphey Women’s Institute for organising this exciting new event and choosing the Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the day. We are delighted to be Lamphey Women’s Institute Charity of the Year and we appreciate their support of our lifesaving Charity. Fundraisers, like Paws on the Beach, will help us to be there for the people of Wales when they need us the most.”
