Mike James, an oil tanker driver from Whitehill, recently celebrated his 50th birthday, and his wife Sandra arranged a party at The Plough Inn, Sageston, where instead of gifts friends and family were asked to make a donation to Paul Sartori Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Mike said: “Both of these charities are close to my heart. At the age of 50 I have everything I need and it made sense to me to do something good to help these valued services rather than have birthday gifts”

Wales Air Ambulance saved the life of Mike’s close friend a number of years ago.

Mike was at the scene of the accident and saw first-hand what level of service the charity provides.

Also over the past few years through a friendship with Sandra Dade (charity manager), Mike has learned a lot about the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service.

He is aware of close friends and neighbours in the area where he lives who have benefited from the services.

Mike raised an amazing £230 for each charity.

Sandra Dade commented: “I am so grateful to Mike for thinking of the Hospice at Home Services which cost £2800 a day to run. We wouldn’t be able to deliver our vital services without our friends in the local community”   

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service provides a range of services to Pembrokeshire people living in the final stages of a life limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, physiotherapy, advance care planning and training.

Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org, or by phoning 01437 763223.