A New Quay couple behind a ‘popular’ car festival have helped raised over £22,800 for Wales Air Ambulance over the past four years.
Emily Bell and Owain James created Wheels for Wales as a ‘thank you’ to Wales Air Ambulance, after it came to the aid of her father in May 2021.
He was travelling to work when he was involved in a road traffic collision.
Emily said: “A small car event which was meant to be a ‘thank you’ to Wales Air Ambulance has turned into a massive festival, which attracts hundreds of people each year.
“When something traumatic happens to a loved one, it is always such a difficult time for the family.
“We wanted to try to turn that negative experience into something positive. I think we have achieved that through Wheels for Wales.”
She continued: “Our family are car enthusiasts, including my dad, we have been to many car shows over the years, and decided to create something closer to home.
“We wanted to be able to bring people together, to enjoy a day out in a beautiful location. But equally we wanted to provide a safe space for past patients to be able to share their stories.”
Thousands of people have supported Wheels for Wales since 2022 helping to raise enough funds to cover the cost of six lifesaving combined air and road missions.
Emily said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported Wheels for Wales over the past four years. They have helped raise such an extraordinary amount of money which will make a lifesaving difference.”
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.
Emily who now works for the Charity as a fundraising coordinator, recently visited clinicians in Dafen with her family.
It was the first time since her dad’s road traffic collision, that he had been near the helicopter.
She said: “It was such an emotional experience, being at the base with my family. To see Dad stood next to the helicopter reminded us just how grateful we really are to the Charity and how proud we are to have created Wheels for Wales.
“We were all at the scene when dad was attended, so seeing my family experience the helicopter in a positive way this time around, has been very special.”
Wheels for Wales 2026 was held on Sunday, 17 May at Charlie’s Field helping to raise almost £6,000 for the Charity.
Emily said: “We’ve had a brilliant time organising the event, but we have decided to take a little breather for now.
“I’ve joined the Charity and I am using my own fundraising experience with Wheels for Wales to help support other people with their events.
“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all those who got behind our event over the years.
“Our incredible sponsors, volunteers, food vendors, trade stands and those who attended all played their part and made a lifesaving difference.”
Sion Edwards, Head of Fundraising and Retail, North and Mid Wales said: “We are hugely grateful to Emily and Owain, for creating such an amazing event in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.
“Wheels for Wales, has proven to be hugely popular and grown over the years, helping to raise an incredible £22,800 for our Charity, which will have helped save many lives.
“As they take a breather from their own event, it’s wonderful to have Emily on board in our fundraising team. Her great eye for detail and expertise for organising large scale events will now benefit our Charity, every day.
“Every pound donated will make a lifesaving difference! Diolch yn fawr.”
