Members of Welsh Motoring Writers visited Welshpool Mid-Wales Airport to present a cheque for £500 to Wales Air Ambulance on Saturday (23 February).
 
Wales Air Ambulance is now the largest organisation of its type in the UK, and its helicopters can be with a patient anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes. They are not only capable of flying patients to hospital, but with life-saving equipment on board, its pilots are able to bring A&E directly to the patient. 

Critical care consultants and practitioners have some of the most pioneering equipment and skills in the world, including blood products and techniques developed in the Armed Forces. It means that patients receive advanced care before they even reach the hospital.
 
When the weather is too poor for helicopters to fly, the team has a number of rapid response vehicles to attend the scene of an accident with this vital equipment.
 
The charity doesn’t receive government funding and needs to raise £6.5 million a year to operate, with each mission costing an average of £1,500.
 
Simon added: “Wales Air Ambulance provides an invaluable service, often at the scene of road traffic accidents, so we are keen to offer support through our donation.”

​Welsh Motoring Writers ushered in committee changes at its annual business meeting on Saturday (23 February), with chairman Huw Thomas retiring at the end of his fifth term.
 
The role will be filled by Simon Harris, while current treasurer Liam Bird is confirmed for a further two years in the post.
 
Huw will become the group’s vice-chairman to assist with a smooth transition, while other committee posts will be finalised in the next few weeks, although Colin Barnett has taken over from Ian Johnson as membership secretary, and Rachel Boagey has replaced Simon Harris as website editor.