At Ascona Group, we believe successful businesses have a responsibility to support the communities they serve.
That's why we're incredibly proud to see our logo placed on the tail fin of one of the Wales Air Ambulance helicopters.
Seeing the Ascona name on the aircraft is a tremendous honour for everyone connected with our business. It reflects a relationship that's about far more than fundraising and reminds us what can be achieved when colleagues, customers, suppliers and business partners come together behind a cause that genuinely changes lives.
What began as corporate sponsorship has grown into a long-term partnership built on shared values and a common purpose.
When we pledged to raise £1 million for Wales Air Ambulance, we wanted to build something meaningful with the charity rather than simply write a cheque. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our customers, the enthusiasm of our colleagues and the support of our business partners, we've already raised more than £450,000 which is enough to help fund the equivalent of more than 110 lifesaving missions.
A significant contribution has come through our partnership with Pennies, giving customers the opportunity to donate 30p every time they pay by card or digital wallet. At our Welsh sites, we match every donation, turning thousands of everyday purchases into lifesaving support.
For our Founder and Chief Executive, Darren Briggs, the partnership is deeply personal.
Wales Air Ambulance once came to the aid of one of our longest-serving colleagues following a serious incident, reinforcing Darren's determination to support the charity in every way possible. As a qualified helicopter pilot himself, he has always had enormous respect for the professionalism and dedication of the charity's flight crews.
Darren said:
"Seeing the Ascona Group logo on the tail of one of the Wales Air Ambulance helicopters is an incredibly proud moment – it really is a badge of honour.
"This has never simply been about fundraising. It's about supporting a service that saves lives every single day."
Phae Jones, Director of Income Generation at Wales Air Ambulance, said:
"We don't place a company's logo on one of our helicopters lightly. It is a visible symbol which recognises Ascona Group's enduring support for our lifesaving work across Wales.
"Since Darren became our first Business Ambassador, both he and the wider Ascona team have gone above and beyond. From pledging to raise £1 million and becoming headline sponsor of our 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, to inspiring colleagues, customers and business partners to support the charity, their contribution has been truly exceptional."
Wales Air Ambulance is the country's consultant-led air ambulance service, delivering advanced critical care by helicopter and rapid response vehicle wherever patients need it. As an independent charity, it relies entirely on public donations to raise £13 million every year to keep its lifesaving service operational.
Darren added:
"I've always believed commercial success should create opportunities to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve and help make people's lives easier. That belief has shaped Ascona from the very beginning, which is why this partnership has never simply been about putting our name on a helicopter.
"It's about standing behind the people who fly it, the patients whose lives they save and the families whose futures are changed because Wales Air Ambulance was there when they needed it most."
"Every day, our customers trust us to help keep them moving. Through our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, we're proud to help keep lifesaving services moving too."
"We're incredibly proud to play our part and we'll continue doing everything we can to help the charity reach more people across Wales."
