Pembrey and Burry Port WI to Raise Funds for Lifesaving Helicopter Charity

A group of ladies from the Friends and Members of Pembrey and Burry Port WI will undertake a range of activities to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

The six ladies who are taking part in the Charity’s My20 fundraiser are Belinda Freeman, Dawn O’Keeffe, Sue Rowland, Janet Surman, Barbara Taylor and Carol Tetley. They have set themselves the target of raising £200 and have already raised £170 of the target in their first-ever fundraiser for the Charity.

Wales Air Ambulance marks its 20th anniversary on the 1 March and to acknowledge the milestone, the Charity has created a new fundraising event called My20. The event allows the participants to pick their own challenge, task or activity that reflects the number ‘20’ which they can complete during March.

The ladies are going to do a ‘mix and match’ approach to the challenge and intend to do at least three different activities for 20 minutes every day. This will include dancing,
singing, yoga, reading, being outside, doing something creative and trying a new skill.

Reflecting on why the group wanted to take part in the challenge, Dawn O’Keeffe, who is also a volunteer for the Charity, said: “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone who is used to keeping busy and being productive. Our personal challenges will focus on our well-being, keeping our minds and bodies active. 

“We are a very dynamic and sociable group, enjoying activities such as crafting, singing, dancing, theatre-going and exploring our beautiful local area.  Lockdown has been difficult for all of us who are used to keeping busy, so this challenge is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the well-being of our minds and bodies and support a great cause at the same time.

“It has been frustrating over the last year not being able to actively help with fundraising in the community, knowing that the running costs of the charity are the same as ever.  I believe that the air ambulance is an essential service on a par with the police and fire service. Knowing that a helicopter is available 24/7 and 365 days a year is a great asset to the people of Wales.”

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “It’s wonderful that the ladies have decided to take part in the Charity’s My20 fundraiser. They have picked a variety of different tasks or activities to complete during March, which I’m sure will keep them occupied each day.

“The Friends and Members of Pembrey and Burry Port WI have already raised £170. We thank everyone who has donated to their fundraiser and a huge thank you to the ladies themselves. We hope you enjoy your challenge.”

You can show your support to the ladies by donating to them via their Just Giving page Fy20 / My20

Challenge Pembrey & Burry Port WI.

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/My20ChallengePembreyandBurryPortWI

For more information on the #MY20 challenge visit https://www.walesairambulance.com.