Mayoress visits Lifesaving Charity’s Airbase

The Mayoress of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wendy Treeby, has recently visited the Wales Air Ambulance’s airbase in Cardiff after choosing the Wales Air Ambulance as one of her charities of the year.

As well as the lifesaving charity, Wendy has also picked two other charities – Stroke Association and Green Meadow Riding for the Disabled – to benefit from her fundraising efforts.

During her visit to the airbase the mayoress met the Wales Air Ambulance medics, Wendy added: “The visit was fantastic. I loved every minute of it. The welcome that I received from the doctors and ground staff was lovely and they answered all the questions that I had. I now have a much better understanding on the function of the Wales Air Ambulance, the helicopter, the importance of good ground staff and how the funding is essential.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity emergency service offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.   

The Mayoress has several fundraisers planned during her term including a team quiz, ten pin bowling and there are several fun days planned, where Wendy hopes to have a stall which can raise awareness and funds.

Reflecting on why the Charity was chosen to benefit from her fundraisers, Wendy added: “I have supported Wales Air Ambulance for many years. I started collecting money for Wales Air Ambulance at Pembrey motor racing circuit and raised thousands of pounds there. 

“I have seen first-hand the Wales Air Ambulance in action and the functions that they offer have developed over the years and they are a vital part of every community.”

Wendy also has a personal reason to support the Charity, her nephew Tim Manfield is a consultant for the Wales Air Ambulance team.

“I know how hard he works and the extra qualifications he has attained to become part of the Wales Air Ambulance. I am very proud to support Wales Air Ambulance.” added Wendy.

Laura Coyne, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen as one of the mayoress chosen charities during her term as mayoress of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Through her family link to the Charity, Wendy knows how hard the team at the Wales Air Ambulance work to provide the lifesaving service for the people of Wales. The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £8 million every year to continue its 24/7 service. Support, like this, will help us save more lives. We wish Wendy all the best with her future fundraising for three important causes.”