The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Farmhouse Breakfast Week has helped raise more than £13,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Around 2,000 people attended events hosted at 24 venues across the country, serving breakfast using produce from local farms, as the union marks its 70th anniversary.

The FUW’s President Ian Rickman named the lifesaving service as his chosen charity for 2024 to 2026, with the breakfasts being the first fundraising event of 2025.

Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, said: “What an incredible start to our second year in partnership with the FUW, thanks to its President Ian Rickman.

“I cannot think of a more fitting way to mark the Union’s 70th anniversary. We wish the team every success for many decades to come.”

She continued: “Our charity has been on the road with FUW members for over a week, with our representatives welcomed into communities, and the homes of farmers, across the country.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who played their part and helped raise funds for our lifesaving service, whilst tucking into a hearty Welsh breakfast!”

Attendees kindly donated funds towards the Wales Air Ambulance at the breakfasts, with some counties also supporting local charities and appeals. These included the 2026 Pembrokeshire National Eisteddfod Appeal, Eryri Young Farmers’ Clubs and the 2026 Caernarfon Royal Welsh Show appeal.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “This is one of the best turnouts we have had for farmhouse breakfast week.”

Amongst the breakfast event attendees in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, was First Minister, Eluned Morgan. Mr Rickman said: “It’s always great to have such a huge range of people in one room.

“You have stakeholders, politicians, all the main parties in the Senedd, all having a chat and a delicious breakfast, with food produced locally.

“But it is the social aspect that really counts, everyone interacting in a less formal environment plus we are raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which is fantastic.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

Farmer Mark Price, who attended the breakfast at the FUW Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, said: “The air ambulance is so important, especially for the rural areas of Wales.”

He continued: “My grandfather had a heart attack in rough weather, it was snowing. The clinicians came to his aid a few years ago and took him to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, so we understand first-hand how essential it is.

“I also played rugby for a local club. The air ambulance landed on our pitch a few times to pick up people with nasty injuries, they do an incredible job.”

Gareth Lloyd, county chairman for the FUW in Ceredigion, says it is an “essential service for those living in rural Wales.”

Speaking at the Canolfan Mynach in Devil’s Bridge, he added: “When someone is in need and in pain, and needs medical assistance immediately, the air ambulance is something that you cannot be without. It saves lives.

“By having events like this we can meet people, socialise, have a good breakfast and raise funds for a great cause.”