Whitland Classic Motor Club has donated £1,000 to the Wales Air Ambulance after raising funds through raffles and their organised car ‘runs’.

The group of car enthusiasts, which meet on the last Thursday of each month at Whitland Rugby Club, were unable to arrange their usual fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic but raised funds through charging members a £1 a ticket for raffles and £2 per motor for their car runs.

During the warmer and lighter months of the year the club hold regular car ‘runs’ for members, which sees a variety of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles enjoying a drive round the countryside. The members then meet up for either Sunday lunch, afternoon tea or a picnic.

Over the years Whitland Classic Motor Club has fundraised for different charities including Carmarthenshire Children’s Centre and the Stroke Association. The club originally raised £1,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance during 2008/10 and members elected to support the charity again in 2018.

Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.

Secretary and membership secretary for Whitland Classic Motor Club, Xoe Meadows, said: “We originally started raising money two years ago but had to stop during the pandemic and have only recently started up again. Obviously with the situation last year, we couldn't raise anything but decided that once we were back up and running we could carry on raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The public are really supportive when it comes to the Wales Air Ambulance. Although I don't think they actually realise how much money is needed to have this service.

“The 24/7 service is really important, people don't just need help from 9am to 5pm. Accidents can happen at any time of night or day, so I feel the 24/7 service is vital.”

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

Wales Air Ambulance long serving volunteer John Hardwicke attended their recent social event to collect the cheque on behalf of the charity.

John treated the members to a very informative speech on the lifesaving work the charity does for the people of Wales.

Xoe, added: “Mr Hardwicke was an absolute knowledge of information. The speech he gave was very informative and interesting. He is a true and proper gentleman. Thank you so much.”

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Whitland Classic Motor Club for raising £1,000. We are delighted that the club has continued to support the charity. Over the years Whitland Classic Motor Club has supported the Wales Air Ambulance by raised funds for our lifesaving charity which has helped us be there for the people of Wales when they’ve needed us most.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711. 

For more information on Whitland Classic Motor Club visit www.whitlandclassicmotorclub.co.uk