A housing manager from Gwynedd has celebrated her 50th birthday in an extraordinary way, raising more than £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance through a series of dedicated fundraising events.
A Mission of Celebration and Support
Heulwen Jones, who works at an independent sheltered living accommodation in Tremadog, kicked off her fundraising mission in September. She embarked on a 50-mile hike from Maentwrog to Porthmadog, setting the pace for months of activity. Just weeks later, she took on the Cardiff Half Marathon for the very first time.
The month concluded with a spooky Halloween Bingo Night at her local pub, the Oakleigh Arms, which was promoted on S4C's Heno programme. Heulwen reported that the event was a full house, with 65 attendees in fantastic fancy dress, and they raised an impressive £963 from the bingo alone.
The Driving Force Behind the Fundraising
Heulwen's motivation stems from a deep appreciation for the lifesaving service provided by the Wales Air Ambulance. After visiting the Caernarfon base, she was inspired by the clinicians and the level of critical care they provide.
"It's incredible, they are a flying hospital!" Heulwen said. "They take the emergency room wherever it's needed and can carry out lifesaving surgery on location. The service is charity-funded and needs all the help it can get."
The Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard treatments directly to patients. It requires £13 million in public donations every year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational. Each mission costs approximately £3,545 on average.
Looking to the Future
With six months of fundraising still ahead, Heulwen is already planning her next challenge. She has her sights set on an ambitious goal: completing the six routes of Snowdon in a single day, a feat she is considering for 2026.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Heulwen said, "I've really loved taking on new challenges which have got me out of my comfort zone." She credits her amazing family, friends, and colleagues for their generous support, which has helped her raise a total of £2,158.03 to date.
Elaine Orr, Regional Fundraising Manager for North Wales West at Wales Air Ambulance, praised Heulwen as an "incredible supporter" and expressed gratitude for all her efforts to keep the vital service running.
