A dedicated team from Werndale Hospital stepped away from their usual roles earlier this month to thank the people who keep a vital lifesaving service running. The staff travelled to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli, to show their personal gratitude.
Special Visit to Dafen Base
During the special visit, the team took part in a 'Thank-a-thon' and wrote handwritten letters to the charity's supporters across the country. The meaningful trip also marked a major milestone, as the hospital has now raised more than £20,000 for the helicopter charity since 2023. This impressive total was reached through community initiatives like a Christmas raffle and staff running the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Jessica Price, sales and marketing manager at Werndale Hospital, said: "As a hospital serving communities across Wales, we understand how important timely access to care is, particularly for those living in more rural or remote areas. Services like Wales Air Ambulance play a critical role in ensuring patients can receive urgent, specialist treatment without delay. Spending time at the Dafen base and taking part in the 'Thank-a-thon' was incredibly humbling."
Community Spirit in Action
"Behind every donation is a person choosing to make a difference, often for someone they may never meet. Writing those letters was a small but important way for us to recognise that generosity. We're incredibly proud to have raised over £20,000 together. It reflects the strength, kindness, and community spirit we see across Wales every day."
The fundraising efforts form part of a wider community pledge by the hospital's parent company, Circle Health Group.
Andre Bothma, executive director at Werndale Hospital, added: "I am incredibly proud of our team and our local community for helping us reach this milestone. In rural regions like ours, the role of Wales Air Ambulance cannot be overstated, it brings critical care to patients when time and distance are against them. This visit was a powerful reminder of the impact that support has, not just in pounds raised, but in ensuring that people across Wales can access lifesaving treatment when they need it most."
25th Anniversary Milestone
The charity is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, making the hospital's ongoing support even more meaningful.
Mike May, the charity's South-West Wales regional fundraising manager, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Werndale Hospital for their commitment, generosity, and continued support. Their visit to our Dafen base and involvement in the 'Thank-a-thon' was a powerful reminder of the compassion that sits at the heart of our communities across Wales. From fundraising to personally thanking our supporters, the team's efforts reflect the spirit of partnership that helps make our service possible every day. As we mark our charity's 25th Anniversary in 2026, it's thanks to organisations like Werndale Hospital that we can continue to deliver lifesaving, advanced critical care to people wherever they are, when they need it most. They truly are lifesavers."
Location: Carmarthen in Carmarthenshire
