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PROVEN NEED: A WAA helicopter can make a vital difference in rural locations.[/caption]
THE total amount - estimated to be a five-figure sum - raised by FUW members and supporters for president Gareth Vaughan's Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) chosen charity will be revealed on the union's stand at this month's Royal Welsh Smallholder and Garden Festival (May 21 and 22).
Mr Vaughan said: "The air ambulance service is a most appropriate and fully deserving cause for a national organisation representing rural areas.
"It is a registered charity, wholly dependent on public donations. The annual cost of sustaining their three air bases, which cover the whole of Wales from Caernarfon, Welshpool and Swansea airports, is over £5m and only through continued public support are they able to meet these targets.
"Due to Wales' widely scattered population and diverse landscape, there is a proven need for their helicopters to be fully operational throughout the year.
"I am well aware the Air Ambulance has been a lifesaver time and time again in all parts of rural Wales and as a representative of the farming industry I and my fellow FUW officials are proud to be associated with such a vital service."
Around half of the total sum to be handed over was raised at a promise auction arranged by deputy president Emyr Jones on his farm at Rhiwaedog, Rhosygwaliau, near Bala, which included a hog roast and entertainment. Large sums were also raised by the union's Caernarfonshire branch which held farmhouse breakfasts on members' farms throughout the county.
Mr Jones praised all those who assisted in raising such a large sum of money at his farm's event for such a worthwhile cause.
"Its success was the result of kind assistance and close co-operation of many individuals, which was very much appreciated," he said.
WAA raises all the funds it requires for the day-to-day running of missions, with each mission on average costing £1,200.
WAA is funded by the people of Wales, relying on the public support to help keep them flying. The charity does not receive direct funding from the government and because they are classed as an emergency service they also fail to qualify for National Lottery funding.
The money is therefore raised through charitable donations, fundraising events and membership of WAA's own lifesaving lottery.
Owing to the diversity of the landscape in Wales, WAA's "helimed" service is vital for reaching remote countryside and busy towns and cities when time really matters. From mountain tops to back gardens, the helicopters can be anywhere in Wales within just 20 minutes.
In heavily congested urban areas, the ability to land within close proximity of the patient has proved critical in response to road traffic accidents. Equally, a helicopter can make a vital difference in rural locations, saving valuable time in areas where a land ambulance simply cannot reach.
There are two advanced life support paramedics on each aircraft trained in the latest techniques in pre-hospital emergency care ensure the patient receives the most effective treatment for his or her condition.
It is widely believed that a patient's chances of survival and early recovery are significantly increased if they receive the right care within the first hour, otherwise known as the "Golden Hour".