Quiz marathon raises thousands for lifesaving charity

A retired couple have conducted a massive twenty-seven quiz nights at the Castle Hotel in Llandovery, in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

Rod and Sally Perkins, who have four children and three grandchildren between them, raised £2,396 for the Charity from March to September – after quizzers voted in favour of the lifesaving service to receive the funds.

Rod, who served with Sussex Police for thirty years, said: “It’s a much-needed service, especially around our area and we were delighted to support the Charity once again.

“About halfway through the Summer we asked those taking part who they would like to receive the funds. This year the air ambulance topped the poll.

“This is not the first time we’ve fundraised for them, we did just before Covid as well, we were a much smaller concern then and we raised £630.”

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.

Rod said: “Sadly, there are lots of motorcycle accidents this way and we have seen the helicopter many times.

“You know when it turns up, that something is seriously wrong, and you just hope for the best for those involved.”

He continued: “Obviously to have someone on board the air ambulance with that level of critical care will make such a difference to their health outcome.”

Rod and Sally’s quiz has grown in popularity over the years, it used to be held in a local pub. But due to the number of people taking part, they moved to a local hotel’s ballroom.

Sally, a retired security officer at Gatwick Airport, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Castle Hotel; they do not charge us for use of the space. Their team are hugely supportive of what we do and have helped us over the years raise as much as we can, helping lifesaving causes like the air ambulance and blood bikes.”

The Wales Air Ambulance also provides an aftercare service to help patients recovering from a critical illness or injury. Two dedicated patient liaison nurses provide support to patients and their families

This is something which resonates with Rod, who was a former family liaison officer. He said: “It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world to go to a family and share sad news and then be with them through all the ensuing court proceedings etc, and supporting them, it is demanding.

“The nurse liaison element to the Charity is an important part of the service, especially if a family loses a loved one. There’s a ripple effect for those left behind.”

He continued: “It makes such a huge difference, when relatives can call someone up to say, ‘Can I have a chat? Can I come in?’

“Just giving them a cup of tea and making them feel understood, can make the world of difference and brings so much benefit.”

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The funds raised by Rod and Sally’s quiz marathon were equivalent to the cost of covering a single mission or buying a helmet for one of the crew.

When reflecting on the presentation night, Sally said: “It was a very emotional evening handing the cheque over to Mike from the Charity.

“We were just bursting with pride for everybody that has supported us, because if they didn’t come along each week, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Mike May, Regional Fundraiser for South West Wales, took part in the final quiz night, with his team coming third.

He said: “What a fantastic community effort! We are hugely grateful to Rod and Sally for bringing everyone together, and to the Castle Hotel for hosting their events.

“It takes a lot of time and effort preparing quiz nights and they do it week after week, year after year.

“Our Charity relies on the kindness of our fundraisers to help us raise £11.2 million each year to ensure our helicopters stay in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road.

“Without people like Rod and Sally, we really could not do what we do. It was wonderful to be invited along for the final night for the cheque presentation and to thank everyone in person.”