The Farmers’ Union of Wales has raised £65,000 for Wales Air Ambulance during a three-year charity partnership with the lifesaving service.
FUW President Ian Rickman nominated Wales Air Ambulance as the Union’s charity partner for his 2023-26 term of office.
Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We have had a fantastic three years working with Ian and his brilliant team.
“It has been a joyous pan-Wales partnership, involving our staff, crew and volunteers across the country.”
She added: “Collaborations like this are key to everything we do, helping keep our helicopters in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road.
“From Farmhouse Breakfast Week and tractor runs to county shows and the FUW at 70 celebrations, Farmers’ Union of Wales members have raised an extraordinary amount for our Charity.
“This is equivalent to the cost of eighteen missions. They truly are lifesavers.”
Since 2001, Wales Air Ambulance has carried out more than 57,000 missions across Wales.
The service is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered through a unique partnership between the third sector and public sector.
Wales Air Ambulance relies on public donations to raise £13 million every year.
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.
Newly re-elected FUW President Ian Rickman and Deputy President Dai Miles attended the Charity’s airbase in Dafen on Tuesday 14 July 2026, where they presented a cheque.
Mr Rickman said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in support of Wales Air Ambulance Charity over the past three years.
“This fantastic achievement reflects the generosity and community spirit of FUW members, staff and rural communities across Wales, and I sincerely thank everyone who supported our fundraising efforts.
“Whether people attended one of our January breakfast events, bought a ticket for our ATV raffle or donated for tea or coffee at a local agricultural show, every contribution helped make this campaign a success. Countless acts of kindness and generosity across Wales have enabled us to raise these vital funds.
“Wales Air Ambulance provides an invaluable, lifesaving service, particularly in our rural communities, and it has been a privilege to support the charity.
“I am very grateful to everyone who supported us, and I know their generosity will help Wales Air Ambulance deliver critical care.”
Dr Sue Barnes added: “There have been so many highlights during our partnership. Thanks to FUW, its members and supporters, we will continue to be there for people across Wales whenever and wherever they need us. Diolch yn fawr”
