His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has praised the Wales Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving impact, as he joined supporters to mark its 25th anniversary at a special Gala Dinner on Friday 26 June.
The Charity’s Royal Patron attended the landmark event, which brought together volunteers, patients, crew members, partners and supporters to celebrate 25 years of delivering critical care across Wales. The Gala was hosted by television and radio presenter, Jason Mohammed.
Over the past quarter of a century, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a single aircraft operating limited hours into a nationwide, 24/7 service delivering advanced, hospital-standard care wherever it is needed – from roadsides and homes to mountainsides and coastlines. Crews now have access to four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles.
The Charity has attended more than 57,000 missions, providing lifesaving treatment in some of the most challenging circumstances and giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
Speaking at the event, which took place at Celtic Manor in Newport, His Royal Highness paid tribute to the service and those behind it.
He said: “For 25 years, Wales Air Ambulance has provided a vital service to people and communities across Wales. In life-threatening moments, its crews have brought advanced critical care directly to those in greatest need, offering help and hope.”
He also highlighted the Charity’s global standing and its commitment to continuous improvement: “Wales Air Ambulance has earned an international reputation for the service it delivers, and for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making that helps ensure the best possible care for the people of Wales.”
The Prince further recognised the dedication of volunteers, staff and supporters whose commitment has sustained the Charity and strengthened its connection with communities across Wales.
The Gala Dinner also featured powerful patient stories and fundraising activities, including a live auction offering exclusive experiences and prizes.
The event was made possible thanks to its main sponsors: Ascona Group, Gama Aviation, Bibado and Redkite Solicitors.
The evening featured a powerful and deeply moving account from former patient Alan Owen, who shared his family’s experience of survival and recovery following a cardiac arrest in April 2022. After collapsing while playing walking football, Alan was without a heartbeat for eight minutes before being revived by those around him. Wales Air Ambulance clinicians provided advanced critical care at the scene, stabilising him despite the severity of his condition and coordinating onward treatment that ultimately saved his life.
Reflecting on his experience, Alan said: “There is no doubt in my mind that without the Wales Air Ambulance, I would not be standing here today.”
He also spoke movingly about the wider impact on loved ones, highlighting the experience of families as ‘co-survivors’: “Their trauma is different, but no less real.”
Emphasising the lasting gift the service has given him, he added: “I have been given more time. Time with my family. Time that I would not have had without this charity.”
Earlier in the evening, Chief Executive Dr Sue Barnes reflected on the Charity’s journey and the transformation of the service since its launch in 2001.
She said: “When the service launched in 2001, it was one aircraft. Today, it is a truly national service, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a transformation that has helped save countless lives and touched not just patients but their families.”
Dr Barnes also emphasised the role of public support in sustaining the service. She said: “The Charity’s evolution is all the more remarkable because it is powered by a nation of just over three million people. A small country, with a huge heart. So, as we mark this milestone, we do so with pride and gratitude.
“For everyone who has given their time, expertise, commitment and support, thank you.
“This service belongs to the people of Wales. We are your air ambulance, and we exist because of you.”
Thanks to the generosity of guests, sponsors and supporters, the Gala raised an incredible £180,000, including generous sponsorship from corporate supporters of over £85,000.
As Wales Air Ambulance looks to the future, the event not only celebrated 25 years of service but also highlighted the continued need for support to ensure more patients across Wales can be reached in their time of need.
