FUW raises £65,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has raised £65,000 for Wales Air Ambulance – equivalent to the cost of 18 missions – after three years of fundraising led by members across Wales.

The cheque was presented by FUW president Ian Rickman during a visit to the charity’s Dafen base in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, bringing to a close fundraising undertaken during his first presidential term from 2023-26.

The money was raised through a range of activities organised by the union, its members and FUW Insurance Services, including Farmhouse Breakfast Week, an ATV raffle, collections at agricultural shows and numerous county and staff fundraising events.

See also: Air Ambulance Week: Charity saves lives on farms

The donation comes as Wales Air Ambulance marks its 25th anniversary.

Since launching in 2001 with a single helicopter operating five days a week, the service has expanded to four helicopters and a fleet of rapid response vehicles, providing consultant-led critical care across Wales around the clock.

The charity has attended more than 56,000 incidents since its first mission and relies on public donations to raise the £13m needed each year to keep the service running.

Mr Rickman thanked everyone involved in the fundraising effort and added: “Wales Air Ambulance provides an invaluable, lifesaving service for people across Wales, particularly in our rural communities, and it has been a privilege to support the charity.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has helped us raise these funds, and I know they will make a meaningful difference in ensuring the Wales Air Ambulance can continue delivering critical care whenever and wherever it is needed most.”

Dr Sue Barnes, chief executive of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said support from organisations such as the FUW was vital to maintaining the service.

“Collaborations like this are key to everything we do, helping keep our helicopters in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road.”