Wales Air Ambulance will be supporting Team Wales on the road to the Commonwealth
Games this summer in Glasgow.
To mark the start of the partnership, the Charity is delighted to announce that it will be part
of the King’s Baton Relay (KBR).
The Welsh leg of the Relay will run from 19 – 24 June, combining pre-recorded content with
live events to help communities across Wales take part in this historic celebration.
It will travel from south to north, culminating in a spectacular finish on Anglesey.
Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Wales Air
Ambulance is delighted to embark on a partnership with Team Wales as they prepare to go
for gold at Glasgow 2026.
“As a lifesaving service attending thousands of patients each year, we understand the
dedication, skill and resilience needed to perform at the highest level. This is something I am
sure will resonate with all the Team Wales athletes as they strive for success in Scotland.
“It is an honour for Wales Air Ambulance to be included in The King’s Baton Relay, and our
team is excited to be part of the build-up to the Commonwealth Games this summer.
“We look forward to seeing the Welsh athletes in action and hope they get a dragon’s share
of the medals!”
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 £13 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 critical care.
Mike Palmer, has served as a Critical Care Practitioner with Wales Air Ambulance for four
and a half years. He has been chosen as its Baton Bearer.
A keen athlete, Mike has competed in the Tenby Ironman, and this autumn will take part in
the Cycle 100 event in aid of the Charity.
He said: “It is a deep honour to take part in The King’s Baton Relay as it makes its way
around the UK, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to welcome it to our base in
Cardiff.
“Everyone has been so excited in the build-up, and we will all be cheering on Team Wales at
Glasgow 2026.”
Every location along the route will feature Baton Bearers, recognising individuals who have
made meaningful contributions to their communities. Their stories will form a central part
of the Relay, reflecting the spirit, diversity, and pride of Wales.
Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, Chief Executive Officer of Team Wales said: “We are incredibly
proud to see Wales Air Ambulance play a role in the King’s Baton Relay as it makes its way
towards Glasgow this summer.
“The Relay is a powerful symbol of unity, community, and shared ambition across the
Commonwealth, and having such a vital Welsh service involved highlights the very best of
what our nation represents.
“Wales Air Ambulance delivers life-saving care in the most challenging circumstances, and
their inclusion is a fitting recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and impact.
“As Team Wales, we look forward to celebrating this journey and the inspiration it brings as
we build towards Glasgow.”
Wales Air Ambulance will be paying tribute to the Team Wales athletes in its own special
way when the Commonwealth Games get underway in July.
Phae Jones, Director of Income Generation at Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We can’t
wait to reveal one of our red dragon helicopters sporting the official Team Wales logo with
pride, symbolic of the Charity’s support for the athletes and of both teams’ Welsh heritage.”
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