The incoming High Sheriff of Dyfed has named Wales Air Ambulance as his chosen charity for the year, following the ‘vital support’ the service provided to his late father.
Mr Andrew Phillips, who was born and raised in St David’s, and lives in the village of Croesgoch, was sworn into office on 27 March 2026 at St Davids Cathedral. The 63‑year‑old Managing Director of Carreg Construction will mark the start of his term with a 130‑mile cycling challenge in support of the lifesaving charity.
Andrew said: “It is a huge honour to be nominated for this role and to champion the outstanding organisations and volunteers across Dyfed.
“The region covers three local authorities – Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire – so it’s a large and diverse area.”
He added: “Giving back to the community you live in is so important. Many of the organisations we support rely on donations to keep going, including Wales Air Ambulance.”
Andrew’s father, Bertie, was diagnosed with an aneurysm in 2015 and required the air ambulance.
He said: “He hadn’t felt right for some time, and no one knew what was wrong. After a scan at Withybush Hospital, he was transferred to Morriston Hospital by the Wales Air Ambulance for surgery. Sadly, he didn’t survive. That kind of experience leaves a lasting impact on a family.”
Since then, the Phillips’ have supported the charity through monthly donations, and Andrew sees his new role as a chance to ‘highlight its vital work’. He added: “It’s the emergency department coming to the patient, the highest level of critical care brought to the scene. It’s hugely reassuring to know it’s there if someone should need it.”
Wales Air Ambulance provides consultant‑led emergency care, delivering hospital‑level treatment directly to patients and transporting them to the most suitable hospital when needed.
The service operates through a partnership between the third sector and public sector, relying on public donations to raise the £13 million required annually to keep helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides specialist NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work onboard, offering advanced interventions such as anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures at the scene.
As a pan‑Wales service, crews travel across the country to deliver lifesaving care wherever it is needed.
Andrew recently visited the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen. He said: “It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to meet Rory who is a pilot, and Tony who is an Operational Support Assistant. They both gave such great insight on the role of the service.
“Being on the helipad, brought home, the size of this incredible operation. We heard about the costs involved to ensure that the team are ready to go whenever and wherever they are needed.
“It’s made a big difference to my knowledge, and I cannot wait to get started and help raise awareness and funds during my year as High Sheriff of Dyfed.”
Andrew’s ties to his local community run deep: his family were fishermen on his father’s side and farm labourers on his mother’s. Reflecting on perceptions of the shrievalty, he noted: “People often think High Sheriffs come from aristocracy or large landowning families, but the role has evolved. Today, people from all social backgrounds, cultures and religions take on the office.”
Andrew and his wife Sue will celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary in April. The father of two and grandfather to Olivia, Lottie and Eddy, has spent his career in the construction sector. After two decades working for a construction firm, he founded Carreg Construction in 2003 and has since led notable projects including the cloisters at St Davids Cathedral, Oriel y Parc Gallery and Lexden House in Tenby. He has also been active in the community, serving eight years as a Governor at Pembrokeshire College.
Nominated six years ago, Andrew has had considerable time to prepare for the role. He said: “It allowed me to shadow other High Sheriffs, learn about the office and see the difference it can make. I was fortunate to have excellent mentors and even attended The Old Bailey, central criminal courts in central London.”
Many people are surprised to learn that the High Sheriff’s office is entirely self‑funded. Andrew added: “It’s about giving back—taking a step back from my business, giving my time, raising funds for a cause close to my family, and hopefully helping to raise the profile of the shrievalty.”
While he admits he is ‘not an elite cyclist,’ Andrew ‘enjoys’ a challenge. On 5 June 2026, he will set off from Tregaron on a 130‑mile route passing through Cardigan Castle, St Davids Cathedral and ending at Laugharne Castle. Despite a past knee ligament injury, he is determined to complete the ride and aims to raise over £10,000 through his GoFundMe page.
Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mr Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed for 2026–27, for choosing us as his charity of the year.
“It is always moving to hear the personal stories that connect supporters to our service. Thanks to their kindness, we can carry out thousands of missions each year.
“Every pound raised will help save lives.”
