Opera superstar Bryn Terfel has helped the Wales Air Ambulance thank some of its longest serving staff and volunteers for their support.
The charity’s patron was on hand to present commemorative medals, badges and awards to long-serving staff and volunteers at the recent launch of the new Wales Air Ambulance base at Caernarfon airport.
The event saw special awards given to paramedic Carl Hudson, corporate manager Anna Evans and trustee Des Kitto, all of which have clocked up ten years with the lifesaving charity.
There were also awards for individuals that have spent five years with the charity, including pilot Bob Kendall, fundraising development manager Lynne Garlick and community co-ordinators Glenda Malloy and Louise Courtnage, all of which are based in Caernarfon.
Community co-ordinator Lynne Hughes and lottery manager Dixie McNeil, both based in Wrexham, were recognised for their services, as was Bryn Terfel himself, having been patron of the Wales Air Ambulance since 2005.
Bryn said: “It was a real privilege to present these awards and to recognise the Wales Air Ambulance’s long serving volunteers and members of staff.
“The charity does incredible work across Wales, and it’s thanks to the efforts of the staff and volunteers that the air ambulance can reach those in most need, no matter where they are.”
Dave Gilbert, chairman of the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are lucky to have a really hard working and dedicated team, and we wanted to celebrate their efforts to support the charity.
“This is the first year that we’ve presented these awards, and I’d like to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their work for the Wales Air Ambulance.”
Wales Air Ambulance was launched on St David’s Day 2001 and has carried out more than 19,000 missions to date. The charity needs to raise more than £6 million each year.
For more information on volunteering at Wales Air Ambulance, please call 0844 85 84 999 or visit www.walesairambulance.com
