Pub Giant Marstons Launches Major Fundraising Drive for Wales Air Ambulance
The Welsh division of one of Britain's leading pub companies is spearheading a significant fundraising campaign to support the Wales Air Ambulance as the critical service marks its 25th anniversary. Marstons, which operates 121 establishments across South Wales, has mobilised its entire network of pubs and partners with an ambitious target: generating enough donations to fund approximately 15 lifesaving missions for the charity.
Community Pubs Rally Behind Vital Emergency Service
Lee Pears, Regional Operations Manager for Marstons in Wales, expressed profound admiration for the air ambulance service. "Wales Air Ambulance is such a fantastic charity, saving thousands of lives each year," he stated. "From a personal perspective, having family members in nursing, I understand the immense difference emergency medical professionals make. From a business standpoint, this partnership was championed by our Area Manager, Alan Beddows, who deserves full credit."
The initiative gained momentum after charity representatives presented at a managers' meeting in Port Talbot. "Learning that the service relies entirely on public donations to raise its £13 million annual operating costs was a real eye-opener," Pears explained. "Everyone was immediately on board, and the enthusiasm spread rapidly to our pub managers, teams, and partners."
A Legacy of Community Support and Creative Fundraising
Founded in 1834, Marstons has a long history of community engagement. "We run community pubs throughout South Wales, and our locals are always incredibly generous," Pears noted. The company has provided pop-up banners for every participating pub, while individual teams are devising their own fundraising activities. These have included:
- Quiz nights and festive discos
- Karaoke events and raffles
- A special evening with Wales rugby legend Sam Warburton, in partnership with Guinness
"As we move into spring and summer, we plan to host outdoor community events that everyone can join," Pears added, highlighting the campaign's ongoing nature.
The Critical Role of Wales Air Ambulance
The Wales Air Ambulance operates as a consultant-led service, delivering hospital-standard critical care directly to patients. If necessary, crews can transfer patients directly to the most appropriate hospital for their specific condition. This advanced care includes:
- Administering anaesthesia at the scene
- Performing blood transfusions
- Conducting minor operations
As a pan-Wales service, its crews will travel anywhere in the country to provide emergency lifesaving interventions. The charity operates through a unique partnership between the third sector and public sector, with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplying NHS consultants and critical care practitioners.
Personal Commitment Drives Partnership
Alan Beddows, Area Operations Manager and the driving force behind the partnership, has supported the charity for years. "Nobody wants to need the air ambulance, but it's reassuring to know it's there," he said. "That's why it's so important we play our part in keeping this service operational."
Beddows, who lives near the charity's Dafen headquarters, previously organised a fundraiser across 18 pubs that raised £10,000. "This campaign feels particularly special," he shared. "Just weeks into our partnership, a pub guest shared how the service saved a family member. Hearing those moving stories reinforces why this charity is so vital."
Charity Expresses Profound Gratitude
Nina Rice, Head of Fundraising at Wales Air Ambulance Charity, praised the Marstons team. "The Marstons team in Wales are outstanding. We're delighted they've chosen us as their charity during our 25th anniversary year," she said. "We extend our thanks to Alan for championing us and to every staff member going above and beyond."
Since its first flight from Swansea in 2001, the service has completed over 56,000 missions. "We've achieved so many milestones thanks to partnerships like this and the generosity of the Welsh people," Rice concluded. "Every pound donated makes a lifesaving difference."
