A kind-hearted great-grandmother from near Tenby chose to celebrate her special 90th birthday milestone by asking for donations in lieu of gifts for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Rather than receiving presents to celebrate her nine decades Doreen Harries, from Jeffreyston, wanted her birthday to make a difference and requested that friends and family donate to the lifesaving charity on her special day.

Doreen, who has lived at her farmhouse since she married her late husband John, over 70 years ago, has four daughters, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, July 19 by holding a tea party with 70 guests at East Williamston Hall.

Her generous family and friends helped raised an incredible £950 for the all-Wales Charity.

Doreen with the Charity’s Director of finance Jayne Tucker during the cheque presentation.
Doreen with the Charity’s Director of finance Jayne Tucker during the cheque presentation. (WAA)

Doreen’s youngest daughter, Jan Phelan, said: “Mum said she wanted a party, but she didn’t want any gifts. She said ‘I’m 90, and I’ve got all I want here with my family’.

“She loved her birthday and it was really nice. Even the week after the party she had people coming over and giving donations for the Charity. It was a really beautiful day.”

The Charity’s Director of Finance, Jayne Tucker, recently had the pleasure of meeting Doreen, having a cup of tea and collecting the cheque from her following her 90th birthday celebrations.

Jayne Tucker, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of Finance, said: “A huge thank you to Doreen for asking for donations in lieu of gifts to celebrate her special birthday, it is such a kind gesture. We are so grateful that Doreen wanted to turn her 90th birthday milestone into such a meaningful way to help others across Wales.

Doreen Harries
Doreen celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, July 19 by holding a tea party with 70 guests at East Williamston Hall. (WAA)

“Thank you to everyone for giving donations instead of gifts to mark her birthday. Everyone who helped raise the incredible £950 will play a part in helping save more lives across Wales.

“The Wales Air Ambulance relies on public donations to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Donations like this, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.

“It was an absolute pleasure to recently meet Doreen, and it sounds like Doreen, her family and friends all enjoyed celebrating her 90th birthday. Thank you so much, Doreen.”