WALES Air Ambulance Trustee Laura Davies says it was an honour to speak about the charity’s lifesaving work at The Royal Foundation ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire.

Laura was invited to be part of the festive gathering by the HM Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards.

Laura said: “It was wonderful to be asked to be part of such a special occasion in the lead up to Christmas. My son Owen and daughter Sofia were also extended an invitation, which was such a special gesture.”

The carol service was amongst 15 that have taken place across the UK alongside the Princess of Wales’ annual event at Westminster Abbey. The charity and St David’s Church were the beneficiaries of the collection taken during the event.

Laura said: “Since becoming a trustee for the charity I have had the honour to represent the lifesaving service on many occasions. It’s always lovely to have the opportunity to be able to talk about the work of Wales Air Ambulance and what it means to us as a family.

“We have a very close relationship with the charity since losing my husband Arwel in such tragic circumstances in 2021.”

Arwel, 40, and daughter Sofia, then aged seven-years-old, were involved in a head-on collision near Llandeilo.

Two Wales Air Ambulance critical care teams were dispatched to the scene. Arwel required blood products and other critical care interventions, but despite the crew’s best efforts, he tragically passed away.

Sofia was airlifted to the major trauma centre. She did not require any medical interventions but because of the nature of the incident she was assessed by the paediatric trauma team.

Laura said: “As a family we have experienced a devastating crisis and have seen first-hand the strength and comfort a community can bring to those facing difficult times.

“The children and I have been overwhelmed by the love shown to us since losing Arwel and that love and compassion is ongoing.”

The theme of the Royal Foundation Christmas carol service was love and community. Laura says ‘it really resonated’ with her family, and she ‘started to reflect on what it meant’ to her.

She continued: “We have been humbled over the years by the support that we have received from our local community.

“In the early days we received food parcels, the children’s school were incredible as well as Arwel’s business.

“I am indebted to every person who helped us on this incredibly difficult journey to navigate life without Arwel, who filled our lives. We miss him greatly.”

But she added: “His legacy lives on through the events which have been organised to celebrate his life.

“He was an avid hot air balloonist, so we created the ‘Ar y Gorwel’ festival which raised funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and takes place in the spring.

“Arwel was also a coach for Llandovery Rugby Club, and a stand is dedicated to him.

“We are also so lucky that the Wales Air Ambulance team are like family. They have supported our fundraising and created a patient and family room in memory of Arwel at its Dafen base.”

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales opened the facilities in 2023 and got to spend time with the Davies family.

Laura was invited along with fellow Trustees and Charity staff to the Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey last year. She was delighted to receive another invitation this year, but this time with Owen and Sofia.

Around 1,600 guests attended the service on December 5, 2025.

Laura said: “As you can imagine it was an incredible honour to be invited back again and for my children to be a part of the proceedings.

“They were amazed by the spectacle and beauty of it all. The hustle and bustle of the crowds gathering and the excitement outside Westminster. It was quite electric.

“I explained to them about the meaning of the Christmas Message Tree; everybody had the opportunity to hang a message on the branches for their loved ones.

“Naturally, we had Arwel in our thoughts. I think it was a beautiful way to remember their Dadi.”