A dedicated sheep shearing community in Anglesey has achieved a remarkable milestone, raising almost £200,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance over the past 14 years through their annual summer event.
From Humble Beginnings to Lifesaving Legacy
Cneifio Cylch began as a small gathering in 1992, initially serving as a farewell party for New Zealand shearers returning home. What started in a local pub with simple raffles has transformed into a major community event held at the Bull Inn in Llanerchymedd, featuring sheep shearing competitions, family fun days, raffles, and auctions.
Richard Edwards, the group's spokesperson who has been commentating since the beginning, recalled: "We had a few sheep shearers who would come over from New Zealand, and it was seen as a sort of leaving do for them. But over the years it has grown and grown."
The event's expansion into the pub car park with a marquee proved to be a game changer, with fundraising exploding from an initial £13,000 to this year's impressive total of £60,300.
Critical Support for Rural Communities
The Wales Air Ambulance provides consultant-led emergency care, bringing hospital-standard treatments directly to patients across Wales. This lifesaving service relies entirely on public donations to meet its £13 million annual operating costs.
Richard explained why the service is so vital to their community: "The air ambulance means so much to those of us living in rural communities. Most of us are involved in farming in some way or another. There are so many activities happening day in, day out, many involving moving stock, feeding animals, using machinery and equipment."
He added: "The chances of something happening are quite high, so those of us living in remote areas are grateful to know the service is there if someone is seriously injured or suddenly becomes critically unwell."
Eye-Opening Base Visit Reinforces Commitment
Committee members visited the Caernarfon Airport base in October, where they met clinicians and Elaine Orr, the charity's regional fundraising manager for North West Wales. The experience left them "blown away" by the service's capabilities.
"The emergency room goes to the patient and the kit they have is astonishing. The helicopter is like a mini hospital," Richard marvelled. "Unless you have needed the service or are a supporter, like us, I imagine most people do not realise the level of critical care which is provided."
The advanced critical care includes:
- Administering anaesthesia at the scene
- Delivering blood transfusions
- Conducting minor operations
- Inducing patients into comas when necessary
Richard noted that the visit "put it all into perspective and makes you realise how lucky we are in Wales to have such an outstanding service."
Community Power Behind the Success
The fundraising achievement stems from tremendous community support, with 135 auction lots donated this year alone. The £60,300 raised in August has been shared between four worthy causes:
- Wales Air Ambulance
- Tŷ Gobaith children's hospice
- Canolfan Dydd Hafan dementia day unit in Anglesey
- Uned Heulwen oncology day unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd
Richard emphasised: "None of this would be possible without the help of our community. Everyone has been fantastic, donating raffle prizes, and auction items, and they volunteer too."
Elaine Orr from Wales Air Ambulance expressed profound gratitude: "We are so grateful for the loyal support of Cneifio Cylch and the sheep shearing community who have fundraised for us for over fourteen years. They have raised a phenomenal amount which will have covered the cost of fifty-six lifesaving helicopter missions over the years."
With planning already underway for their 2026 event, the Cneifio Cylch team welcomes additional volunteers to support their extraordinary fundraising efforts that continue to save lives across Wales.
