Wales Air Ambulance's Pembrokeshire volunteers bade a fond farewell this week to the charity's fundraising co-ordinator, Mike Ashbridge.

A farewell buffet was held at Swallow Tree Restaurant in Saundersfoot on Tuesday evening to thank Mike for his hard work and wish him well for the future.

Here Mike tells us about his time with Wales Air Ambulance.

How long have you been working for WAA and what has your role involved?

I've worked for Wales Air Ambulance as their fundraising co-ordinator in Pembrokeshire for just under three-and-a-half years. My main objective was to promote awareness of the work of the charity and in this way encourage individuals, societies and companies to support the charity with donations. So over the years, I've spoken about the air ambulance to many groups and societies, attended numerous shows, highlighted our work in the Observer and encouraged and supported people with their fundraising initiatives. Most importantly, any achievements have only been possible by working with the charity's volunteers in Pembrokeshire.

Where has your job taken you?

Whilst I've been all over the county and driven thousands of miles throughout Pembrokeshire, it's still possible to find houses and villages tucked away in the beautiful countryside. One big advantage of the job is that I can now almost find my way through the Martletwy area (Pembrokeshire's own Bermuda Triangle) without getting lost!

 

How much money has been raised for the WAA locally during your time in the post?

During the past few years, the amount of money raised locally for Wales Air Ambulance has risen substantially. I think that this achievement reflects the higher profile we've established for the charity in the county. And it also comes from the fact that there are increasing numbers of people in Pembrokeshire whose lives or the lives of someone they known have directly benefited from the work of the air ambulance and who now want to support our work.

What have you enjoyed most about working with the WAA?

Without a doubt, the most enjoyable aspect of the work has been the chance to meet some exceptionally kind and generous people who have either raised incredible sums for the charity or given large amounts of their time to work as volunteers for the charity. Time spent with these people is genuinely both humbling and inspiring and really does sustain your faith in humanity.

What was your favourite funding event?

It's very difficult to pick out one event from the wonderfully diverse range of events I've been to. I particularly like the sporting events such as the Broadhaven Triathlon or the Tour of Pembrokeshire - just being there is a great way to feel healthy without expending much energy. But for overall madness and fun it would be very hard to beat the annual performances of That'll Be The Day! The show continues to raise huge amounts of money for ourselves and the RNLI and audiences just come out glowing with happiness! A huge thank you to Phil Thompson who keeps this wonderful event rolling along.

Who has helped you in your role?

The wonderful time I've had in the role is all down to the exceptional people throughout the county who have supported me in what I've tried to do. In particular, I'd like to thank Hilary Harvey, who filled this role with great energy and style before I took it on. She paved the way for everything which has taken place since. And, of course, I'd have been lost without the charity's wonderful volunteers who really have made so much possible. The amount of energy and time they have given (not to mention the stupendous amounts of tea and coffee they have drunk) has been amazing.

What new career path are you taking on?

After three-and-a-half years, most charity fundraisers find that they have worked their way through their best ideas and also want to have their weekends back! Whilst there are a number of local charities that I am interested in helping in the future, a short break from fundraising is called for! Not least because I've promised Jane we'll take the horses to more shows at weekends, plus the outdoor bowling season will soon be starting! My work as a humanist funeral celebrant is also continuing to grow, and in the future, I also have plans to start a copywriting business.

 Who is taking over from you and who do people contact at WAA now?

The charity will be appointing my replacement in due course.

In the meantime, please contact Jan Allison Jones on 831561 or Marjorie Clarke on 812607.

The charity's head office in Swansea can be contacted on 0844 85 84 999.