Staff at a major Hay-on-Wye employer have raised more than £7,800 for the Wales Air Ambulance after the charity came to the aid of a colleague involved in a motorbike crash.

The two-year charity partnership was led by PCI Pharma Services, one of Powys’ largest employers, which has more than 38 sites worldwide and supplies medicines to more than 100 countries.

Employees nominated the Wales Air Ambulance in recognition of its vital role in rural emergency response, particularly after it assisted a member of staff in urgent need.

From marathons and motorcycle rides to cake sales and sunflower growing competitions, the Hay-based team rallied to support the lifesaving charity through lots of creative fundraising events.

Coffee and cake events also proved popular, with staff and their families baking homemade treats to cater for the site’s three rotating shifts, running day and night.

Mark Kingdom, Site General Manager, said: “At PCI Hay-On-Wye, we are deeply committed to supporting causes that make a real difference in our community.

“In 2024 and 2025, we chose the Wales Air Ambulance as our company charity because of the incredible lifesaving work they do.

“Their rapid response and critical care services provide vital support to those in urgent need, often in remote areas where access to medical help is challenging.

“By rallying together, we are raising essential funds to ensure their continued operation and help those who may one day rely on their extraordinary service.”

The Wales Air Ambulance, which must raise £11.2 million annually to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road, provides hospital-level treatment at the scene of incidents. Its consultant-led crews can administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions, and perform emergency procedures before patients even reach hospital.

Rachel Price, Senior HR Advisor at PCI Hay-on-Wye, said the charity was chosen by staff as part of the company’s annual ESG (Environmental Social Governance) initiative.

“A dedicated group of passionate individuals meets monthly, committed to raising awareness and funds,” she said.

“Through teamwork, creativity, and determination, we organise diverse and engaging events, inspiring others to support and contribute to a cause that any of us - or those close to us - may one day need to rely on.”

Among the standout fundraisers was Business Unit Production Supervisor Becky Greenow, who helped co-ordinate a cake sale in October 2024, and again in May, when members of the Wales Air Ambulance attended the Hay-On-Wye site to talk to staff about the work of the lifesaving service.

“I look after 30 staff and we all get on really well, and if we get asked to pitch in to help a charity or with something in the community, we all like to do our bit,” she said.

Kate Thomas, Regional Fundraising Manager for Powys at Wales Air Ambulance said: “It always feels more special to be able to say thank you face to face.

“We are so grateful for every pound raised by staff over the past 24 months. Their kind donations will help save many lives.”