Golf Captain's Fundraising Efforts Support Wales Air Ambulance
Dilwyn Roberts, a 70-year-old volunteer for the Wales Air Ambulance, has proudly presented a cheque for £1,250 to the charity following his year as Men's Golf Captain at Denbigh Golf Club in Denbighshire. Roberts, who nominated the air ambulance as his chosen charity for the 2024-25 term, expressed his delight at the opportunity to support the vital service.
Charity Selection and Fundraising Events
Roberts explained that one of the key privileges of being club captain was the ability to select a beneficiary charity. "Obviously volunteering for the Wales Air Ambulance, it was the natural choice that it should be the beneficiary during my year," he said. To raise funds, the club organized several events, including:
- Captain's Day celebrations
- A Captain versus Vice Captain match
- Weekly Men's Competition Days with a halfway house on the ninth green, where Roberts served tea and coffee to generate additional donations
He emphasized the high costs of running the air ambulance service, noting that people are often surprised when they learn about the financial requirements. "I am grateful to all those who donated and supported me during my year as Captain," Roberts added.
Volunteering Journey and Personal Background
Roberts, who has been married to his wife Janet for 47 years and is a grandfather of three, became a volunteer for Wales Air Ambulance in 2019 after his wife initiated the involvement. "She started talking to a representative whilst shopping at Tesco in Prestatyn and said my husband will be a driver or do bucket collections," he recalled. Since then, both have volunteered, forming strong friendships within the North East Wales community.
In addition to his volunteer work, Roberts has a background as a former bank manager and was previously a director at Colwyn Bay Football Club, a passion he still enjoys as a spectator. He highlighted that retirement has kept him busy with various interests, including his dedication to the air ambulance cause.
Volunteer Roles and Impact
Wales Air Ambulance offers diverse volunteering opportunities, such as organizing community fundraising events or assisting in local charity shops. Roberts and his wife actively participate by collecting fundraising boxes from shops and conducting bucket collections in supermarkets, having raised approximately £9,000 over the years. "As a former bank manager, counting money suits me quite well," he joked, noting they manage around 40 boxes and often turn collection days into enjoyable outings with lunches in villages.
Critical Service and Community Support
The Wales Air Ambulance operates as a consultant-led service, providing hospital-standard treatments at the scene and transferring patients directly to appropriate hospitals. It relies on public donations to meet its annual £13 million funding goal, supporting helicopters and rapid response vehicles. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies NHS consultants and practitioners who deliver advanced care, including anaesthesia and blood transfusions, across Wales.
Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance regional fundraising manager for North East Wales, praised the volunteers: "We are so grateful to our incredible volunteers who generously dedicate their time to support our lifesaving service. Dilwyn and Janet have been part of the Wales Air Ambulance family for seven years and are among our biggest champions." She extended thanks to Roberts and Denbigh Golf Club members for their lifesaving contributions.
