Marston’s pubs across South Wales unite to fund 15 lifesaving missions
THE WELSH arm of leading pub company Marston’s is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Wales Air Ambulance as the lifesaving service celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Marston’s operates 121 pubs across South Wales and hopes to generate enough funds to cover the cost of 15 lifesaving missions. Pub partners and managers have rallied behind the cause, organising a packed calendar of fundraising events.
Lee Pears, Regional Operations Manager, said: “Wales Air Ambulance is such a fantastic charity, saving thousands of lives each year.
“On a personal note, my wife is a nurse, so was my mother and sister, as well as my auntie, so I understand the massive difference those working in emergency medicine can make to patient outcomes.
“From a business perspective, the charity has always been heavily supported by Alan Beddows, who is one of our area managers. The credit for this partnership really lies with him.”
Eye-opening moment
The idea for the partnership was first discussed when charity representatives attended an area managers’ meeting at the Twelve Knights in Port Talbot.
Lee said: “I think that was a real eye-opening moment when we learnt that the charity relies on its supporters to raise the funds it needs to operate.
“All of us were onboard from that moment and then we took it to our teams, talking to pub managers and pub partners as well. Everyone got very excited, very quickly.”
Founded in 1834, Marston’s began brewing at the Horninglow Brewery in Burton upon Trent and has grown into one of the UK’s leading local pub operators.
Across South Wales, pubs have been staging quiz nights, karaoke evenings, Christmas discos and raffles. A recent fundraising highlight included an evening with Wales rugby legend Sam Warburton, held in partnership with Guinness.
“As we head towards spring and summer, we will be able to move outdoors putting on great community activities that everyone can join in with,” Lee added.
Lifesaving service
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, delivering hospital-standard treatment at the scene of an incident and, if required, transferring patients directly to the most appropriate hospital.
The charity operates through a partnership between the third sector and public sector, relying on public donations to raise the £13 million needed annually to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) work onboard the aircraft and vehicles. Advanced care includes administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions and performing minor surgical procedures at the scene.
Since its first flight took off from Fairwood Airport in Swansea on March 1, 2001, the service has carried out more than 56,000 missions across Wales.
“Why wouldn’t you want to get involved?”
Area Operations Manager Alan Beddows, who has worked for the company for a decade, has long supported the charity. Four years ago, he led a campaign across 18 pubs, raising £10,000.
“I live near the charity’s Dafen headquarters, and our house is on the flight path of the helicopter,” he said.
“Nobody wants to need the air ambulance. You must be facing a life or limb-threatening situation to receive their care. But isn’t it reassuring to know that it is there, should you or your loved ones need it?
“That is why it is so important that we play our part in keeping the service going. It makes me feel warm inside, knowing our team are making a difference.”
He added that just weeks into the new partnership, a pub guest shared how the service had saved a family member.
“It’s when you hear the stories, which are so moving, that you realise how special the charity is. Why wouldn’t you want to get involved?”
Nina Rice, Head of Fundraising and High Value Partnerships at the charity, praised the initiative.
“The Marston’s team in Wales are outstanding. We are delighted that their pubs and partners have chosen us as their charity during this our 25th anniversary year,” she said.
“We have carried out over 56,000 missions, and that is thanks to partnerships like this and the generosity of the people of Wales that we can continue to do this vital work.
“Every pound donated really makes a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr.”
