High-flying charity

Wales Air Ambulance

Wales Air Ambulance is announced as Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Charity of the Year for 2013/14.

Now in its second year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Charity of the Year appeal seeks to raise vital funds for a worthy cause.  Wales Air Ambulance is an all-Wales charity providing crucial emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries. 

Wales Air Ambulance has carried out over 17,000 missions to date since its launch on St David’s Day 2001 and relies entirely on public support for its funding.

The charity needs to raise £6 million every year to operate the service with each mission on average costing £1,500.

Professor April McMahon, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said; “This is such a worthwhile cause, and we are delighted to announce that we’ll be supporting this commendable charity for the next year.

“This year, nominations for the charity of the year were sought from University students and staff. A list of 77 nominated charities was whittled down to a shortlist of five by sabbatical officers of the Students’ Union and the University’s Executive. Following a month of voting, and over 1,300 votes cast, the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as our charity for 2013/4.

“The Charity of the Year appeal provides a useful focus for our fundraising activities. From collection tins at till points across the University to running marathons, our community of students and staff are excellent fundraisers and we look forward to supporting the Wales Air Ambulance during the coming year, starting with a stall throughout our Graduation Week from 9-12 July.”

The aim of Wales Air Ambulance is to reach, treat and transport patients with the greatest speed possible to the most appropriate hospital for their needs. A pilot can have the helicopter airborne within 3 minutes of receiving an emergency call and the aircraft can travel at 150mph, over 2 miles per minute, and can reach anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes.

Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager Mark Stevens said; “We are thrilled to be voted by Aberystwyth University students and staff as charity of the year. It’s due to the support and generosity of others that we can continue to save lives.”

For more information on Wales Air Ambulance, visit www.walesairambulance.com.

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