A FOUNDING member of the Wales Air Ambulance has been given a national award, as the charity celebrates its 13th anniversary.

Chief executive Angela Hughes was recognised for helping grow the charity into a self-sustaining organisation which generated £7 million last year.

She was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the Charity Staff Awards 2014, recognising how her business skills have helped the charity, founded on St David’s Day 2001.

The accolade was presented by the Charity Staff Foundation at RBS headquarters in London, and was one of 20 categories with more than 700 nominations from across the UK.

Ms Hughes said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been nominated by the team for this award. It’s been an incredible 13 years that wouldn’t have been possible without our fantastic group of staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

“I’m honoured to be working with such a dedicated team to help save lives across Wales.”

Wales Air Ambulance relies entirely on donations and recently carried out its 19,000th mission, treating a man who had suffered a heart attack while walking in the Brecon Beacons.

For more information visit walesairambulance.com