William praises air ambulance charity at gala event

The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the air ambulance service (Jordan Pettitt/PA) - (PA Wire)

The Prince of Wales has praised the work of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and experts underpinning the service as he joined the organisation at a gala celebrating its 25th anniversary.

William supports the charity as its royal patron and told its volunteers and staff their work was something “Wales can be immensely proud of”.

In a speech at the evening event in Newport he said: “For 25 years, Wales Air Ambulance has provided a vital service to people and communities across the nation.

“In life-threatening moments, its crews have brought advanced critical care directly to those in greatest need, offering help and hope.

William at Cambridge Airport when he began his pilot role with East Anglian Air Ambulance (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Archive)

“This anniversary milestone is an opportunity not only to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past quarter of a century, but to recognise the extraordinary people whose dedication, skill and generosity have made this work possible.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity was launched on St David’s Day – March 1 – in 2001, and began with a single helicopter flying out of Swansea.

Today it has a fleet of four aircraft covering the whole of Wales, alongside rapid response vehicles, and is able to operate 24 hours a day.

It is a consultant-led service, taking hospital treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

Wales Air Ambulance pilot Pete Cummins lands a Eurocopter EC135 in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (Ben Birchall/PA) (PA Archive)

The prince, who flew helicopters for East Anglian Air Ambulance, told the guests: “Tonight we recognise everyone in this room, as well as the many supporters across Wales, who have helped make Wales Air Ambulance the vital service it is today.

“Its strength depends on clinical excellence and operational skill, as well as the goodwill and generosity of so many people who believe deeply in its mission – to bring lifesaving care to the people of Wales when they need it.

“Wales Air Ambulance has earned an international reputation for the service it delivers, and for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making that helps ensure the best possible care for the people of Wales.

“It is something Wales can be immensely proud of.”