A WOMAN from Anglesey has joined forces with Bidding Room star Simon Bower for a second year in a row to auction off items in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.

Lucy Clarke, who used to work in the tourism sector, and Simon, who has been with Morgan Evans Auctioneers for about 30 years, pulled out all the stops to support the charity. 

The 27-year-old, who is originally from London, wanted to create an event which would raise vital funds and awareness for the charity. 

She said: “The charity relies solely on donations from the public to survive. Not many people know that. 

“I want to get educate people and get them involved. It’s a service that anybody might need to use one day, for a friend or family member.”

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Wales Air Ambulance is the only air ambulance charity, based in, and dedicated to the people to Wales.

It 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.

For the patient, this can mean hours saved compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Lucy says living where she does and working in the tourism sector, she realises how important the service is not only to the community, but visitors too. 

She said: “There are a lot of amazing locations to walk and climb and some people might not have climbed mountains before, and you know one day they might need the air ambulance.

“And locals too, it is so reassuring to know that should anything happen to any of us – that this incredible team can travel to the scene anywhere.”

In 2022, Lucy decided to get in touch with Simon Bower, who is her best friend’s father, to see if the auction legend would be willing to get involved with a fundraiser for the Wales Air Ambulance at Plas Coch Holiday Park.

She said: “It told him I would organise all the auction items, the venue and the behind-the-scenes stuff and asked if he would do the auction for me and he said ‘yes’ - it went from there, really.

“That first event was fantastic, and we raised £6,000. Then, last winter, I wanted to do the same again, and Simon agreed to support.”

With about 60 items going under the hammer, including a helicopter ride donated by a resident in Caernarfon and an afternoon tea for two in Beaumaris, Lucy and Simon’s fundraising event raised more than £4,000.

The pair have since passed on a cheque at the air ambulance base in Caernarfon.