The founder and Chairman of Wales Air Ambulance, Robert Palmer has died after a short illness, aged 64.

Mr Palmer was a leading businessman in Swansea who founded Wales’ first ever air ambulance, in 2001.

The news comes as the Charity, now operating three aircraft nationwide, marks its twelfth birthday on St David’s Day.

A moment will be taken to remember the longstanding Chairman at the opening of the charity’s new shop in Mumbles on 1st March, 11am. Mr Palmer had always wanted the Charity to open a shop in the area and spotted the opportunity to rent the forthcoming premises on Newton Road himself.

Wales was one of the last regions in Europe to have its own air ambulance service. Mr Palmer could foresee the value of such a vital operation for the country’s diverse and challenging landscape, and worked voluntarily with local business people in Swansea to introduce a helicopter sponsored by the AA.

The sponsorship ended a year later and Mr Palmer worked tirelessly with the other trustees to build the national charity. Today, Wales Air Ambulance operates the most advanced aircraft in the UK and is leading the way in pre-hospital care with highly trained critical care paramedics.

An air ambulance can now reach any part of Wales within 20 minutes and is on standby for anyone in Wales with a life-threatening illness or injury, 365 days a year.

WAA chief executive Angela Hughes said: “We are all devastated to lose Bob and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

“Bob’s passion and drive for the Wales Air Ambulance never faltered: he always knew what this lifesaving charity could become and it is his vision that has helped us to carry out over 17,000 missions to date, and transform the lives of many living in Wales. He was rightly so very proud when we recently launched a new, state-of-the art helicopter in Mid Wales.”

Details of the funeral will follow.