Wales Air Ambulance is delighted to be celebrating its 24th anniversary of its lifesaving service on St David’s Day.

Since its inception on St David’s Day in 2001, the Charity has attended over 52,000 missions across the whole country, and it has grown to be one of the largest and most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe.

Wales Air Ambulance has grown immensely over the past 24 years, the Charity proudly has four aircraft covering the whole of Wales, as well has having a fleet of rapid response vehicles.

In December 2020, the Wales Air Ambulance introduced a helicopter to start flying at night, which enabled the Charity to reach more people in their worst moments.

The Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7, 365 days a year Wales-wide, thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales.

It 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.

The service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. 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.

Every year, the all-Wales Charity needs to raise £11.2 million to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road, relying solely on public donations.

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our 24th anniversary of being there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We’re proud of how far we have come from having a single aircraft based at Swansea Airport to the four helicopters and rapid response vehicles we have across Wales.

“The Charity would like to say a huge “thank you” to all its loyal supporters, its staff, volunteers, trustees, medics, pilots and allocators – past and present. Your passion and determination are the strong foundation upon which Wales Air Ambulance has been built.

“It’s because of you that we’re able to serve Wales and save lives 24/7. We look forward to being there for the people of Wales for the next 24 years and longer. Happy 24th Birthday Wales Air Ambulance!”

The Charity is marking the occasion with the return of its flagship event, Coffee and Cake.

Joining the celebration this year is the Charity’s shop in Tenby, based on Upper Frog Street. On St. David’s Day morning, members of the public can visit the shop, make a donation and enjoy a drink and a snack – all of which will make a lifesaving difference.

Emma Moore, Senior Individual Giving Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s the Charity’s 24th birthday on St. David’s Day. Our shop in Tenby will mark the occasion by hosting its own Coffee and Cake event on Saturday, March 1, between 10am and 12pm.

“Everyone is welcome and we’d be delighted if you joined us for some nice treats – you’ll be making a lifesaving difference and that really is the icing on the cake.”

For more information visit www.walesairambulance.com/coffee-and-cake