An 80 year old Maenclochog man has given Crymych fire station a selfless birthday gift, after asking for donations to the station in lieu of Birthday presents.

Hedley George celebrated his 80th birthday with 160 friends and family at Maenclochog Community Centre. Instead of presents he asked guests to make a donation to the co-responder medical response unit base at the station. In doing so he raised a heart-warming £1355.

“I didn’t want presents," said Mr George. "If I need anything else I can go and buy it.

"I thought ‘Crymych it is’. They are close to home and you might know someone who might need them one day,”

Over the past five years the co-responder unit in Crymych has attended almost 450 medical emergency incidents, providing swift immediate medical care to patients until a dedicated ambulance attends. This early intervention has undoubtedly saved countless lives.

The unit is part of a partnership between Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service (NHS) Trust to provide co-responder schemes at a number fire stations.

The units, staffed by specially trained on call firefighters, provides an integrated approach to patient care and improves chances of patient survival at the scene of life- threatening incidents.

“We are extremely grateful to Mr George for this generous donation and for thinking of us at the time of his birthday celebrations,” said Crymych watch manger Euros Edwards.

“Donations such as this assist with maintaining this co responder service which over the years has proved such a valuable asset to the community.”