STAFF from Serco have been donating their time to the Wales Air Ambulance as part of their commitment to create a legacy for their colleague Bella Chandley, from St Florence, who sadly died.

In 2024, Bella, mother of two, who worked as an Employer Engagement Coordinator for Serco’s Restart Scheme, became unwell. She was initially taken to Glangwili Hospital where it was established that she had suffered a brain aneurysm.

She was then transferred by Wales Air Ambulance to the Health Hospital where she underwent surgery but sadly died a few weeks later.

Bella’s colleagues decided they wanted to give something back and have been volunteering at the Wales Air Ambulance shop in Bridgend and at its airbase in Cardiff, as well as writing thank you letters to fundraisers.

Serco has an office in Cardiff with its Restart scheme provision available Wales-wide. It offers staff one volunteer day a year – enabling them to support causes which matter to them.

Emma Wood, Strategic Account Manager for the Restart Scheme at Serco, said: “Everyone loved Bella! She was just so charismatic, straight talking and vivacious.

“It was a devastating shock for her dear family and all her work colleagues and friends to lose her at such a young age.”

Bella, from the village of St Florence near Tenby, was a qualified beekeeper and before she joined Serco she used to make honey, wax candles and other products.

Emma said: “Our team wear bee brooches, which say ‘Be More Bella.’ She is very much in our thoughts most days.

“Her journey got us thinking about the Wales Air Ambulance, it was there for her when she needed it most and it is a charity which is now close to our hearts.”

Serco staff have visited the Cardiff Heliport to learn about the consultant-led pan-Wales emergency service. The team are also planning to carry out several fundraising activities throughout this year, as the charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Emma added: “It is just so inspiring to climb inside the helicopter and get to see what the clinicians are working with.

“Talking to Marc, who is a Critical Care Practitioner and Rory, who is a pilot, I’ve been blown away about how humble they are about everything they do.

“They are very brave people to do what they do, and if we can help support this incredible service in any way we can, we absolutely will.”

Emma Grant, Public Affairs Lead for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Bella sounds like an incredible person and is a much-missed member of the Serco team. She clearly inspired her colleagues and continues to do so. That is why we are so moved to collaborate and help create a legacy in her memory.

“We rely on partnerships like this to enable us to keep doing what we do. We look forward to supporting Serco’s fundraising activities. Every pound raised really does help save lives.”