A successful gala dinner has raised over £6,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.
The Lord Nelson Hotel, Milford Haven, organised its second gala for the lifesaving service after being approached by past patient Sean Luby and his family to host the fundraiser.
Over 100 people attended the popular bi-annual gala dinner that raised £6,020 for the all-Wales service which came to paramedic Sean’s aid in 2023.
The gala dinner, which also saw an auction and raffle take place, was attended by the family and friends of Luby family and others.
In total both gala dinners have raised around £11,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Jenna Jones, Wedding and Events Manager at Lord Nelson Hotel, said: “This was the second air ambulance fundraiser we have put on at the hotel and this year approximately 100 people attended.
“The first year was such a success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves we decided to make it a biannual event at the hotel, which has raised around £11,000.
“Raising such an incredible amount for the Wales Air Ambulance fills me with immense pride and gratitude — knowing that every pound will help save lives, support families in their most critical moments, and keep this vital service flying when it’s needed most makes every effort completely worthwhile.
“Milford Haven is a special community and the support everyone shows for one another is incredible.””
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 £13 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, Regional Fundraising Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “A huge thank you to the Luby family for wanting to fundraise for our Charity again. They know firsthand how essential our service is to the people of Wales.
“We are so grateful to them and Jenna and James, along with their dedicated staff and loyal customers at Lord Nelson Hotel, for raising an incredible amount for our lifesaving charity. The continued support from the Luby family and Lord Nelson Hotel will help us reach those who need us most and will keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.
“Each year the Charity needs to raise £13 million pounds to be able to provide this essential service. Thank you to everyone who, once again, made the gala dinner a huge success. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across the country.”
