Pontfaen Young Farmers' Illuminated Run Raises Over £9,000 for Charities
Pontfaen Young Farmers Club has once again demonstrated remarkable community spirit by raising an incredible sum for good causes through its successful illuminated charity tractor and 4x4 run. The popular annual event, which brings festive cheer to Brecon, generated over £9,000 this year, continuing a strong tradition of philanthropy.
Charitable Donations and Beneficiaries
The chosen charities for this year's fundraiser were the Wales Air Ambulance and The Brain Tumour Charity, each of which received a generous donation of £3,000. This brings the total raised by the event over the past five years to more than £34,000 for various worthy causes, showcasing the club's ongoing commitment to making a difference.
In addition to these primary beneficiaries, donations were made to paediatric wards at several local hospitals. Glangwili Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil Hospital, and Hereford Hospital each received £500, while Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital also benefited from a £500 donation. These contributions highlight the event's broad impact on healthcare services across the region.
Cheque Presentation and Community Recognition
The funds were formally presented during a recent cheque presentation at the club's annual concert held at Brecon High School. Representatives from the Wales Air Ambulance, including regional fundraising manager Kate Thomas and volunteer Ann Payne, were on hand to receive the donation. During the presentation, the charity's representatives expressed heartfelt thanks for the support, emphasizing the importance of such community-driven initiatives.
Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance’s regional fundraising manager for Powys, shared her appreciation, stating, "Wales Air Ambulance was honoured to be one of Pontfaen Young Farmers Club’s chosen charities for another year. Over the years, the young farmers have raised an incredible amount for good causes. Over £34,000 has been raised, which is amazing."
Impact of the Wales Air Ambulance
The Wales Air Ambulance is a vital service that operates as a consultant-led, pan-Wales emergency medical retrieval and transfer service. It delivers hospital-standard treatments directly to patients and, if necessary, transfers them to the most appropriate hospital for their condition. This advanced critical care includes capabilities such as administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions, and conducting minor operations at the scene of incidents.
As a unique partnership between the third sector and public sector, the charity relies entirely on public donations to raise the £13 million required annually to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity's vehicles, ensuring lifesaving care is available across Wales 24/7.
Gratitude and Future Support
Kate Thomas extended a special thank you to all involved in the event, saying, "A huge thank you to Pontfaen Young Farmers Club, who have dedicated so much time and effort in making sure that the popular tractor and 4x4 run is a huge success and is enjoyed by people of all ages in the community. The £3,000 raised for our all-Wales Charity will help us continue to be there for the people of Wales."
She also acknowledged the broader community effort, noting, "For everyone who organised the event, took part, or attended the fundraiser, you’ve all played an important part in saving lives across Wales." This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit that makes such fundraisers possible, involving sponsors, stewards, marshals, participants, council members, supporters, and spectators.
The event not only raised significant funds but also fostered a sense of unity and festive spirit in Brecon, proving that community-driven initiatives can have a profound impact on vital services and local healthcare.
