Wales Air Ambulance has said it is “honoured” to have been supported by Pontfaen YFC, after the group chose the charity as one of the beneficiaries of its annual Illuminated Tractor and 4x4 Run.

The popular festive event, held on December 23 last year, raised more than £9,000 for good causes, with £3,000 donated to the Wales Air Ambulance and the same amount to The Brain Tumour Charity. Smaller donations of £500 each were also made to the paediatric wards at Glangwili Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil and Hereford hospitals, as well as Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff.

The tractor and 4x4 run, which has become a highlight of the community calendar in Brecon, also crowned Darren and Deri Allsop winners of Best Illuminated Vehicle, impressing judges and spectators with their eye-catching display.

The charity runs have raised more than £34,000 for various good causes over the past five years.

At a recent cheque presentation during the club’s annual concert at Brecon High School, Wales Air Ambulance representatives expressed their gratitude.

Kate Thomas, Regional Fundraising Manager for Powys, said: “Wales Air Ambulance was honoured to be one of Pontfaen Young Farmers Club’s chosen charities for another year. Over the years, the young farmers have raised an incredible amount for good causes. Over £34,000 has been raised, which is amazing.

“A huge thank you to Pontfaen Young Farmers Club, who have dedicated so much time and effort in making sure that the popular tractor & 4x4 run is a huge success and is enjoyed by people of all ages, in the community. A special thank you to the Pontfaen Young Farmers Club, their sponsors, stewards, marshals, participants, council, supporters and spectators who made the event the huge success that it was.

“The £3,000 raised for our all-Wales Charity will help us continue to be there for the people of Wales 24/7. The donation will help keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road throughout the country. Thank you so much, we really appreciate the continued support the Club gives to our lifesaving Charity.

“For everyone who organised the event, took part or attended the fundraiser, you’ve all played an important part in saving lives across Wales.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, bringing hospital-standard treatment directly to patients and transferring them to the most appropriate hospital if needed. The service operates through a unique partnership between the Third and Public Sectors and relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required each year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles. The advanced care they deliver includes administering anaesthesia, giving blood transfusions, and performing minor operations — all at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated crews travel across the country to deliver lifesaving care wherever it is needed.