Marston's Welsh arm is sending its pub managers up Snowdon to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance, their chosen charity partner for 2025-26. The team, managing 121 pubs across South Wales, aims to raise £50,000 to mark the charity's 25th anniversary.
Leading the Charge
Ross Gurney, 44, who manages eighteen pubs across a vast area from Carmarthen to Haverfordwest, St Davids to Aberystwyth, and onwards to Tywyn, is the company's charity fundraising lead for West Wales and North-West Wales. He says the summer rush brings more visitors, increasing the service's importance.
“Wales Air Ambulance is such a vital service, and I know from listening to our pub managers, that it means so much to those living in their local communities,” Ross said. “We have heard time and time again from customers, friends and neighbours the difference it makes to those it attends.”
Fundraising Efforts Underway
Collection boxes are on bars, and a donate button has been added to tills across Marston's pubs and restaurants. Ross notes people have been “very generous” and often share their experiences with the lifesaving service.
“It's very inspiring when you hear about the work of Wales Air Ambulance, it makes you want to do more,” he added. “We often have quiz and bingo nights, which are very popular, but as a team we want to do something more impactful, that will bring in a larger amount of money.”
The Snowdon Challenge
In September, after the busy summer, staff will gather for the hiking challenge up Snowdon, 3,500 feet above sea level. Ross, an outdoor enthusiast, stresses it's not a race: “The aim is to get everyone safely up the mountain! We have joked, we want to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance and not for the helicopter to have to come to our aid.”
Humorous WhatsApp messages have already circulated, with some asking if taking the train counts. Ross insists everyone walks, but the focus is on fun and preparation over the coming months.
Why Wales Air Ambulance
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, delivering hospital-standard treatments to patients and transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital if needed. It operates through a unique third-sector and public-sector partnership, relying on donations to raise the £13 million required annually.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners on board. This advanced care includes anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and minor operations at the scene.
Impact and Gratitude
Nina Rice, head of fundraising for High Value Partnerships, expressed gratitude: “We are hugely grateful to the whole of the Marston's team for their passion and dedication to raising as much as they can for our lifesaving service! Over the past few months, they have taken on a variety of fundraising activities and are very much on course to hit their incredible target.”
She added: “Once the busy summer spell is over, and the children are back at school, we'll be championing all those who are taking on Snowdon. It's no easy feat, so we wish Ross and all the managers taking part the very best. We look forward to seeing your selfies from the summit! Diolch yn fawr!”
Donations can be made via the Wales Air Ambulance website.
