Published: 20 August 2024

A Wales Air Ambulance past patient has thanked the Charity’s medics for saving his life by raising £2,330 for its cause.

Henry Hughes and his family organised a Welsh concert to show their appreciation to the all-Wales Charity after Henry was airlifted by the Wales Air Ambulance, in May 2023, following a cardiac arrest.

Farmer Henry, from Llangadfan in Welshpool, said: ‘I wouldn’t be alive today without the intervention of the Wales Air Ambulance crew.”

The successful Welsh concert saw over 100 people supporting the event, with Glyn Owens compeering the concert and singing from Cor Llangwm. Donations were also given to the cause from people who couldn’t attend on the evening.

The air ambulance service in Wales is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its 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.  

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. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

Henry’s wife Meinir said: “Henry is fine now and has had excellent medical care throughout the year. He has been extremely lucky and we are very grateful to the Wales Air Ambulance.

“The Welsh concert was well attended and we raised an excellent amount for a very small community. Thank you to everyone who donated.”

Along with his wife, a delighted Henry visited the Charity, where he presented its Regional Fundraising Manager, Deb Sima, and the medics with the cheque of £2,330.

Deb Sima, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager said: “It is always heartwarming and inspiring to hear that a past patient has wanted to help the service which saved their life by fundraising. Henry knows firsthand how important our all-Wales Charity is and he is extremely grateful. 

“Thank you to Henry and his family for supporting our cause. You’ve raised an incredible £2,330 for the Wales Air Ambulance. These funds will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales, like the air ambulance medics were there for Henry when he needed us most. We really appreciate your support and it was lovely to meet you both during the cheque presentation.”