Welsh Ambulance Service’s ‘Wish’ initiative marks 100th journey milestone

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Wish Ambulance initiative has celebrated its milestone 100th journey, helping terminally ill patients across Wales fulfil memory-making final wishes.

Launched in 2019, the volunteer-run service has transported patients and loved ones to concerts, sporting events, birthday parties, museums, beaches, and more. One father walked his daughter down the aisle days before his death, while another patient saw her son play football for the last time.

Over 500 off-duty ambulance staff donate their time, using non-emergency vehicles not in service. Ed O’Brian, Clinical Lead for Palliative and End of Life Care, called the milestone “a powerful reminder of what kindness, teamwork and compassion can achieve.”

The 100th journey took Annette ‘Nettie’ Burtenshaw, 64, from hospital to Cardiff Castle, where she performed with her beloved Rock Choir despite her cancer diagnosis. “There was no way on earth I could have done it without the Wish volunteers,” she said.

Recognised nationally, Wish Ambulance won Best Team at The Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards in 2023. Assistant Director of Operations Mark Harris praised volunteers who “give up their precious time off to help patients and families make magical moments.”

The Wish Ambulance initiative is funded by public donations and continues to bring comfort and joy to those at the end of life.

To donate to the Welsh Ambulance Service Charity, and to pledge your support to the Wish Ambulance initiative, visit: Wish Ambulance Service | Give as you Live Donate

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