Two former Welsh rugby legends came together to host a coffee morning to help raise ‘dough’ for the Wales Air Ambulance.

This week James Hook and Shane Williams put on their aprons on March 5 to treat the supporters, volunteers and staff to a coffee morning at the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli.

James, one of the Charity’s ambassadors, and Shane were the icing on the cake and brought along their own ‘Fab Four’ coffee, which was enjoyed by the guests. The morning fundraiser raised over £222 and sparked new conversations of how people could support the Charity.

Wales Air Ambulance’s much-loved Coffee and Cake fundraiser is currently taking place during this month of March.

This week James Hook and Shane Williams put on their aprons on March 5 to treat the supporters, volunteers and staff to a coffee morning at the Charity’s headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli.
This week James Hook and Shane Williams put on their aprons on March 5 to treat the supporters, volunteers and staff to a coffee morning at the Charity’s headquarters. (Pic supplied)

The Charity ‘kneads’ the support from public and James and Shane were happy to play their part in supporting the fundraiser.

‘Coffee and Cake’ coincides with the Charity’s 24th anniversary, which was on 1 March, St David’s Day.

The ‘Coffee and Cake’ celebrations raise funds to help the Charity provide lifesaving critical care across Wales, wherever and whenever it is needed. Every year, Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The successful fundraising event, which saw staff and volunteers bake and buy cakes, was attended by the Deputy Mayor Shaun Greaney, as well as past patients who were also pleased to meet Shane and James.

Emma Moore, Senior Individual Giving Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We celebrated the Charity’s 24th birthday on St. David’s Day and what a wonderful way to mark our birthday by marking the occasion with James Hook and Shane Williams.

“We were delighted that James and Shane were on board to show their appreciation to the Charity, whilst raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which will make a lifesaving difference.

“It really was the icing on the cake having the ex-rugby internationals slicing and serving the cakes along with brewing up their own ‘Fab Four’ coffee. The Charity is extremely grateful for their continued support of our all-Wales service.

“It was lovely to have a catch-up with a slice of cake with past patients, friends, volunteers, guests and staff.”

Would you like to host your own ‘Coffee and Cake’ event? It doesn’t matter if you are an avid baker or prefer to buy your cakes from a shop, the sales you make on your delicious treats will support our lifesaving Charity, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, family or colleagues.

Those who are interested in hosting a ‘Coffee and Cake’ event can register via the Charity’s website - www.walesairambulance.com/sign-up.

Event hosts will receive special access to a range of fundraising materials, including a fundraising pack, digital resources, invitations, posters and cake labels.

Whether a gathering with friends and family or a party in a school or office, this event is open to everyone – both online and in person.

The successful fundraising event, which saw staff and volunteers bake and buy cakes, was attended by the Deputy Mayor Shaun Greaney, as well as past patients who were also pleased to meet Shane and James.
The successful fundraising event, which saw staff and volunteers bake and buy cakes, was attended by the Deputy Mayor Shaun Greaney, as well as past patients who were also pleased to meet Shane and James. (Pic supplied)

Both James and Shane are incredibly supportive of the Wales Air Ambulance, James, whose son needed the help of the charity, raised over £6,000 last year during his Hooky’s Hike challenge.

Shane has supported the Charity through the partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance and his company AGILIS.

Shane wore a Wales Air Ambulance branded tri-suit to take part in Ironman 2024, AGILIS also provided four Wales Air Ambulance medics with AGILIS tri-suits and hoodies to take part in Ironman Wales.

The 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 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.