Air ambulance charity faces fundraising backlash

The Wales Air Ambulance is facing a backlash from fundraisers and the public in north Powys and the wider Mid Wales region over the decision to close the Welshpool based air ambulance.

Following yesterday's decision by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee and the charity welcoming the decision, there was a social media frenzy with many saying they would end their financial support for the charity.

Millions of pounds have been raised by residents locally over the past 20 years towards running the service. But with fears that the area will now lose out and ambulance coverage will fall, the comments over providing funds has risen.

Comments on MyNewtown and MyWelshpool's social media channels, as well as other sites have included: "I've cancelled by DD", to "I will no longer support the charity."

One longstanding fundraiser based near Newtown had previously told MyNewtown she was concerned about the situation. "It has been much more difficult raising funds locally since news of the plans was first released. We have been asked so many questions that we can't answer. But many people have simply said they will no longer donate, and this has happened at events we have attended."

She added: "It's a very difficult situation. We will still have an air ambulance service covering the area, but we won't have a local base. How that will work we don't know, but the charity will still need funding as it doesn't receive government funds."