Wind in the sails (well, blades)

The Wales Air Ambulance base in Welshpool has opened a new Visitor Suite, thanks to a £1,200 donation from RWE Innogy UK Ltd wind farm staff based in Mid Wales.

The Visitor Suite, the first of its kind at the charity, will act as an executive meeting place and allow supporters to view the helicopter from a safe distance.

Engineers and staff at the RWE wind farm operations and maintenance facility based in Llanidloes decided that the Wales Air Ambulance is one of the most critically important local services.

Jeremy Smith, RWE’s wind farm development manager in Wales, explained: “Our engineers work across Powys and Mid Wales, in some of the most rural and isolated spots, and often in very difficult conditions. As a result, they all felt particularly passionate that the donation had to go to this vital service.”

Angela Hughes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, welcomed the donation and said: “The visitor suite is an important step in generating awareness to raise further crucial funds, so that the charity can continue to offer this life-saving service in Powys and beyond. The donation is a real boost to our fundraising efforts and I’d like to thank staff members at RWE for supporting our important work.”

The Welshpool-based air ambulance was launched in June 2006, after a fundraising drive to introduce a third aircraft that could cover Mid Wales rapidly. Along with bases in Swansea and Caernarfon, the air ambulance service can now reach anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes (Machynlleth 12min; Newtown 4min).

Generous support from people across Wales meant that in November 2012, the Welshpool helicopter was upgraded to a ‘new generation’ model, which is one of the most advanced air ambulances in the UK. 

RWE Innogy UK’s Llanidloes Wind Turbine Service Centre employs over 20 locally based staff, mostly engineers, who provide operational and maintenance services to wind farms in Mid Wales and across the UK. 

PICTURE: Opening of the RWE Innogy UK-supported Wales Air Ambulance visitor centre at Welshpool Airport. Front from left: Jeremy Smith, RWE Welsh Development Manager; Simon Ling, RWE local Operations Manager; and Lynne Hughes of Wales Air Ambulance. Back from left: WAA paramedic Neil Lewis; WAA CEO Angela Hughes; WAA paramedic Karen Davies; pilot Capt Sam Tompkins.