A GWYNEDD motor club has taken its support for Wales Air Ambulance up a gear following a rally event.

The Bala and District Motor Club recently held its annual rally, raising an impressive £5,000 for the helicopter charity.

The club fundraises through offering spectator parking and collecting for the charity during events. This year’s event was also supported by Geoff Jones Motorsport and Quarry Explorer.

They began supporting Wales Air Ambulance in 2008 at the Gareth Hall Memorial Rally. Club President Kevin Roberts said: “Our first attempt got off to damp start, having invited Wales Air Ambulance to man the car park at the event. We had rain of biblical proportions on the day, but 10 years on we are still fundraising annually for Wales Air Ambulance.”

In what has now become somewhat of a tradition over the last three years, local ex-Nissan and Proton works driver Geoff Jones has auctioned the navigator’s seat on the rally which has raised upwards of £500 during each event. To date the club has raised over £8,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.

Kevin added: “As a rural motor club the importance of the air ambulance can be literally life or death. Many of us live in remote areas or villages and its been proven time and time again that the air ambulance makes a real difference. Most of us will know someone that the service has helped – which is why it is so important to continue fundraising.”

WAA Fundraising Assistant Lynne Hughes said: “I remember that cold wet Trawsfynydd morning back in 2008 at the spectator car park.

"It’s heartening to see, 10 years on that the club is continuing to fundraise for us. Their recent efforts take the total raised to over £8,000. We cannot thank them enough for their continued support which helps keep us flying our lifesaving missions across Wales.”

Wales Air Ambulance is on standby every day for anyone facing life-threatening illness or injury. The charity relies entirely on donations to raise £6.5 million each year to keep its four helicopters flying.