A lucky woman from Monmouthshire has won the top prize of £3,000 in a special charity raffle. Mariana Robinson scooped the cash boost after buying 32 tickets to support the Wales Air Ambulance.
Artist Describes Win as Timely Surprise
The 72-year-old artist described the win as a timely surprise after facing an expensive garage bill the previous day. She plans to spend the money on a holiday later this year or treat herself to a smartphone or a new computer.
Mariana Robinson, winner, said: "I was absolutely delighted to be the winner, and it was a timely surprise. I'd just had a large bill for my 23-year-old car the day before, so that's why it was timely."
Charity Raffle Raises Over £82,000
The charity celebration draw sold more than 60,500 tickets across the country to mark 25 years of service. It raised more than £82,000 to help keep the lifesaving helicopters flying.
Robinson added: "I have complex health conditions, and I live in a fairly remote rural area; I may well need to use the air ambulance myself one day. I'm grateful to the volunteers and team that keep this valuable emergency service going. Helicopters are not cheap to run or replace!"
Lifesaving Service Operates Across Wales
The vital emergency service brings advanced hospital treatments directly to patients who are seriously ill or injured. Highly skilled doctors and practitioners can give blood transfusions and perform minor operations at the scene of an accident.
The charity has attended more than 57,000 missions since it launched with a single aircraft a quarter of a century ago. It now needs to raise £13 million every year to keep its four aircraft and rapid response cars running.
Charity Director Thanks Supporters
Phae Jones, the charity’s director of income generation, said: "Congratulations to all our 25th anniversary raffle winners, and thank you to everyone who supported this special milestone fundraising campaign. The raffle raised an incredible £82,000 for our lifesaving charity. We are extremely grateful to everyone who bought a ticket and entered the draw. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across Wales."
Phae continued: "Congratulations to Mariana, who has supported our charity for many years. Buying 32 tickets certainly paid off, and we hope she enjoys spending her winnings."
