In a heartfelt tribute to their late colleague, staff from Serco's Restart Scheme have been dedicating their time and efforts to support the Wales Air Ambulance charity. This initiative honours the memory of Bella Chandley, a mother of two from St Florence, Pembrokeshire, who tragically passed away in 2024 following a brain aneurysm.
A Legacy of Care and Community
Bella Chandley worked as an employer engagement coordinator for Serco's Restart Scheme, where she was known for her charismatic and vivacious personality. After initially receiving treatment at Glangwili Hospital, she was airlifted by the Wales Air Ambulance to the Heath Hospital for surgery. Despite medical efforts, she died a few weeks later, leaving a profound impact on her colleagues.
Volunteering in Bella's Memory
Inspired by Bella's legacy, her team has been actively volunteering at the charity's Bridgend shop and Cardiff airbase. They have also written thank-you letters to fundraisers, recognising the critical role of community support. Serco encourages its staff to use one volunteer day per year for causes important to them, and Bella's team chose the Wales Air Ambulance, as it provided essential care during her time of need.
Emma Wood, strategic account manager for the Restart Scheme, shared: "Everyone loved Bella! She was charismatic, straight-talking and vivacious. She continues to be in our thoughts most days." To symbolise her legacy, the team wears bee brooches with the words 'Be More Bella', a nod to Bella's qualification as a beekeeper.
Strengthening Partnerships for Emergency Care
The staff have visited the Cardiff Heliport to learn about the air ambulance service, meeting critical care practitioners and pilots. They are planning further fundraising activities this year to support the charity. Emma Grant, public affairs lead for Wales Air Ambulance, added: "Bella sounds like an incredible person and is a much-missed member of the Serco team. Partnerships like this enable us to continue delivering emergency care across Wales, and every pound raised really does help save lives."
Supporting a Vital Service
The Wales Air Ambulance delivers hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients and transfers them to the most appropriate hospitals. It relies entirely on public donations to raise the £13 million needed annually to operate its helicopters and rapid response vehicles. Serco's ongoing support ensures that Bella's legacy continues, helping to save lives and strengthen communities across Wales.
This community-driven effort highlights the importance of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility in sustaining essential emergency services. Through their actions, Serco staff are not only honouring a beloved colleague but also contributing to a cause that impacts countless lives in the region.
