COUNCILLOR Andy Williams, who represents Garden Village, raised over £50,000 for four causes during his two terms in office.
The former Mayor of Wrexham, who has been a firefighter for 34 years, says working alongside the Wales Air Ambulance has “inspired” him to fundraise for the charity.
He said: “Obviously being a firefighter for over three decades, I have come into contact with the air ambulance at road traffic accidents and seen their amazing work, firsthand.
“We’ve assisted them on countless occasions, so when I am picking charities, I always choose them, as it’s personal. I like to support causes that mean something to me and that I’m passionate about.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.
As part of his role with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Andy has worked closely with many blue light organisations, including Wales Air Ambulance.
He said: “When attending major incidents, we all represent our own organisations, but we’re one big team – we all are trained for the same goal and that is a casualty-centred rescue.
“When we come together, partnership working is critical.”
Councillor Williams is also a volunteer for Blood Bikes Wales, a voluntary organisation which provides courier support to the NHS.
He said: “Like the air ambulance, Blood Bikes Wales plays a vital role in saving lives each year and depends on fundraisers to enable it to do what it does.
“I attended a crash where I saw casualties receiving blood delivered by Blood Bikes Wales. Both services do incredible work and deserve our support.”
The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
Councillor Williams has been The Mayor of Wrexham on two occasions. The first time he raised around £7,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, Wrexham First Responders, Blood Bikes Wales, and Nightingale House.
During his second term of office in 2023, he decided to fundraise for these charities again alongside Guide Dogs.
He said: “It is incredible how kind people are. Clogau donated a gold watch which we auctioned off at a charity football match and lots of local companies donated too, it all helps.
“I have found it a lot harder to fundraise this time due to the obvious financial challenges faced by so many. I am hugely grateful to those who have supported me and given so generously – I’ll keep trying to raise as much as I can.”
Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s North East Wales Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “I’d like to firstly pay tribute to Councillor Williams, his service to his local community is phenomenal. 34 years of firefighting and volunteering to help other lifesaving services in his spare time, that has to be commended.
“We are also hugely grateful for the support he has shown our charity over the years. There is such an overlap with his work life, as a firefighter and his volunteering for Blood Bikes and as a first responder.
“He has an incredible understanding of the work we do, because of his various roles and we are incredibly touched that he organised events to fundraise for us.
“Supporters like Councillor Williams enable us to serve the people of Wales, and save lives.”
