High Sheriff of Dyfed Selects Air Ambulance as Chosen Charity Following Personal Connection
Andrew Phillips, the incoming High Sheriff of Dyfed, has officially named the Wales Air Ambulance as his selected charity for the year, a decision deeply influenced by the critical assistance the service provided to his late father. Phillips, a 63-year-old managing director of Carreg Construction who was born in St David's and resides in Croesgoch, was sworn into office on March 27 at St David's Cathedral. To commemorate the start of his term, he will undertake a demanding 130-mile cycling challenge aimed at supporting this lifesaving organization.
Personal Motivation Behind the Charity Choice
Andrew Phillips expressed that his father, Bertie, was diagnosed with an aneurysm in 2015 and required urgent transport via the Wales Air Ambulance. After a scan at Withybush Hospital, Bertie was transferred to Morriston Hospital for surgery, but sadly did not survive. This experience left a profound and lasting impact on the Phillips family, who have since supported the charity through regular monthly donations. Andrew views his new role as an opportunity to highlight the essential work of the air ambulance, describing it as bringing hospital-level emergency care directly to patients in critical situations.
Details of the Fundraising Efforts
The Wales Air Ambulance operates through a collaborative partnership between the third sector and public sector, relying entirely on public donations to raise the £13 million needed annually to maintain its helicopters and rapid response vehicles. The service, known as the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), provides specialist NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who deliver advanced interventions such as anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and minor surgical procedures at the scene. As a pan-Wales service, crews travel across the country to offer lifesaving care wherever it is required.
Community Engagement and Background
Andrew Phillips recently visited the charity's headquarters in Dafen, where he met with pilot Rory and operational support assistant Tony, gaining valuable insights into the operational scale and costs involved. Reflecting on his community ties, Andrew noted that his family has deep roots in the area, with fishermen on his father's side and farm labourers on his mother's side. He emphasized that the role of High Sheriff has evolved to include individuals from diverse social backgrounds, cultures, and religions, moving beyond traditional aristocratic associations.
Upcoming Cycling Challenge and Goals
On June 5, Andrew will embark on a 130-mile cycling route starting from Tregaron, passing through Cardigan Castle and St David's Cathedral, and concluding at Laugharne Castle. Despite a past knee ligament injury, he is determined to complete the ride, aiming to raise over £10,000 through a GoFundMe page. Mike May, regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, expressed gratitude for Andrew's support, noting that such personal connections help fund thousands of missions each year.
Andrew Phillips, who has served as a governor at Pembrokeshire College for eight years and founded Carreg Construction in 2003, sees his role as a chance to give back to the community. He highlighted that the High Sheriff's office is entirely self-funded, focusing on raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart. The region of Dyfed covers three local authorities: Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire, making it a large and diverse area where community support is vital for many organizations.
