Wales Air Ambulance will be supporting Team Wales on the road to the Commonwealth Games this summer in Glasgow.
To mark the start of the partnership, the Charity is delighted to announce that it will be part of the King’s Baton Relay (KBR).
The Welsh leg of the Relay will run from 19 – 24 June, combining pre-recorded content with live events to help communities across Wales take part in this historic celebration.
It will travel from south to north, culminating in a spectacular finish on Anglesey.
Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Wales Air Ambulance is delighted to embark on a partnership with Team Wales as they prepare to go for gold at Glasgow 2026.
“As a lifesaving service attending thousands of patients each year, we understand the dedication, skill and resilience needed to perform at the highest level. This is something I am sure will resonate with all the Team Wales athletes as they strive for success in Scotland.
“It is an honour for Wales Air Ambulance to be included in The King’s Baton Relay, and our team is excited to be part of the build-up to the Commonwealth Games this summer.
“We look forward to seeing the Welsh athletes in action and hope they get a dragon’s share of the medals!”
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 critical care.
Mike Palmer, has served as a Critical Care Practitioner with Wales Air Ambulance for four and a half years. He has been chosen as its Baton Bearer.
A keen athlete, Mike has competed in the Tenby Ironman, and this autumn will take part in the Cycle 100 event in aid of the Charity.
He said: “It is a deep honour to take part in The King’s Baton Relay as it makes its way around the UK, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to welcome it to our base in Cardiff.
“Everyone has been so excited in the build-up, and we will all be cheering on Team Wales at Glasgow 2026.”
Every location along the route will feature Baton Bearers, recognising individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities. Their stories will form a central part of the Relay, reflecting the spirit, diversity, and pride of Wales.
Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, Chief Executive Officer of Team Wales said: “We are incredibly proud to see Wales Air Ambulance play a role in the King’s Baton Relay as it makes its way towards Glasgow this summer.
“The Relay is a powerful symbol of unity, community, and shared ambition across the Commonwealth, and having such a vital Welsh service involved highlights the very best of what our nation represents.
“Wales Air Ambulance delivers life-saving care in the most challenging circumstances, and their inclusion is a fitting recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and impact.
“As Team Wales, we look forward to celebrating this journey and the inspiration it brings as we build towards Glasgow.”
Wales Air Ambulance will be paying tribute to the Team Wales athletes in its own special way when the Commonwealth Games get underway in July.
Phae Jones, Director of Income Generation at Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We can’t wait to reveal one of our red dragon helicopters sporting the official Team Wales logo with pride, symbolic of the Charity’s support for the athletes and of both teams’ Welsh heritage.”
