Wrexham colleagues take on Yr Wyddfa in aid of Wales Air Ambulance

Colleagues from a Wrexham company have put on their hiking boots to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

Lyan Packaging Supplies, on Wrexham Industrial Estate, has supported the lifesaving all-Wales charity for a number of years.

Eight people from the company – joined by four family members – took part in the climb up Snowdon.

This year as well as hiking Snowdon, they also took part in the Charity’s first-ever ‘Coffee and Cake’ event.

All staff were involved in the cake sale, which saw local customers and suppliers being invited to attend the ‘Coffee and Cake’ morning.

So far this year the company has raised an incredible £1,590 for the lifesaving charity.

Alex Jackson, from Lyan Packaging Supplies said: “The fundraiser consisted of two parts, a cake sale, followed by a walk-up Snowdon via the Snowdon Rangers. The ‘Coffee and Cake’ event was a really successful morning, and we would love to make it an annual event for the Wales Air Ambulance.

“The climb up Snowdon saw the team start walking at 7am, and we were very lucky with the weather, with clear skies and beautiful views all day.”

Having an opportunity to see the beautiful views at the top of Snowdon hasn’t always been the same for one member of the team.

Chairman David Jones, who has supported the charity for a number of years, said: “My affinity with Wales Air Ambulance commenced in 2011 when I led a sponsored walk up Yr Wyddfa.

“This was the first time I had climbed the mountain, at the age of 54. This was followed by two more walks in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance in subsequent years.

“I am yet to see any of the idyllic views as the weather was quite dreadful on all three occasions.

“I was also very active in fundraising with friends at Greenacres Caravan Park near Porthmadog, where we raised thousands of pounds. I have also supported their excellent monthly lottery for many years.”

Alex added: “I think the Wales Air Ambulance is extremely important, although I hope I never to need their services.

“The Wales Air Ambulance plays a crucial role in the healthcare infrastructure of Wales, ensuring that all regions, regardless of their remoteness, have access to high-quality emergency medical care.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

The air and road operations are funded entirely by public donations and the Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep the helicopters flying and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager is delighted with the continued support the Charity has received from the company.

She said: “Well done to everyone at Lyan Packaging Supplies who hiked Snowdon and a huge thank you to everyone for their continued support of our 24/7 service.

“Fundraisers like these, will enable us to keep our four helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.

“It is wonderful to hear that following the success of their ‘Coffee and Cake’ event the company plan on making it an annual fundraiser for us.

“We really appreciate your support of our lifesaving service.”

For more information on joining the Charity’s ‘Lifesaving Lottery’ visit the Wales Air Ambulance website.