A generous Powys man celebrated his special 90th birthday by requesting donations in lieu of gifts for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Caring Ray Price, from Penybont, needed the help of the Wales Air Ambulance after he suffered a heart attack, 15 years ago. Due to his condition Ray was airlifted from Llandrindod to Wolverhampton Hospital by the all-Wales Charity.
Whilst in hospital his surgeon told Ray that the Wales Air Ambulance saved his life and since then he has had great admiration for the Charity.
Ray celebrated his 90th birthday with friends and family at the Severn Arms Hotel. Wales Air Ambulance volunteer Brian Tolley was delighted to meet Ray and be presented with the £700 cheque.
Ray, who was pleased to give something back, thanked everyone for their donations on his special day and said he remains grateful to the lifesaving charity for the care he received.
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.
Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area said: “Happy 90th birthday to Ray. What a generous and kind way to mark such a special milestone by requesting donations in lieu of gifts for our Charity. Ray knows firsthand how important our service is pan-Wales and we really appreciate his generosity.
“It sounds like Ray, his family and friends all enjoyed a wonderful lunch to celebrate his 90th birthday.
“It is such a thoughtful gesture from Ray to ask for donations to our Charity in lieu of gifts, it shows what a kind-hearted person he is. Thank you to everyone for giving donations instead of gifts to mark Ray’s milestone birthday. You’ve all played an important part in helping save lives across Wales and ensuring we can be there for the people of Wales when they need us the most.”
