A Ceredigion County Councillor has raised more than £2,100 for the Wales Air Ambulance to thank the service for helping to save her younger brother’s life.
Ceris Jones, 27, completed the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday, 1 October 1 with all her family cheering her on.
Among them, was her brother Calfyn, 24, who had travelled from the family home in Dihewyd near Aberaeron, to support his sister in her first half marathon race.
Ceris was inspired to run for the Wales Air Ambulance after Calfyn was involved in an accident in February 2022 and was airlifted to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff, where he spent 17 days on the Neuroscience High Care Ward.
Plaid Cymru Councillor Ceris, who represents Llanfihangel Ystrad ward, said achieving the half marathon in 2 hours 44 minutes was an emotional achievement.
She said: “I was incredibly nervous starting off, but also excited as the atmosphere was unbelievable. Two weeks before the race I started suffering with tendonitis in my ankles and I was worried it would affect the run. I did feel some niggles along the route, but I knew giving up was never going to be an option, and while my ankles were in agony I pushed on. Thankfully the atmosphere carried me along.
“At mile seven I started to feel emotional and started thinking about the reasons why I was doing the half marathon. Thinking about my brother’s accident and the amazing work of the Wales Air Ambulance helped to motivate me. I saw other people with the Charity’s running vest on and that gave me a buzz knowing that we were all raising money for the same cause.
“Crossing the finishing line was such an amazing feeling as well as a relief. It was really emotional thinking ‘I have done it!’ Calfyn was supportive and I know he was proud of me in his own way, he even had some photographs with me which is rare!
“I know he is thankful for all the fundraising, and he appreciates how valuable the service is to the people of Wales. He is grateful for what the Wales Air Ambulance did for him and for helping to save his life.”
The mum-of-one who also works as a Cardiac Physiologist in Bronglais Hospital said she was thankful to everyone who donated and also thanked her personal trainer, Rhys at Cattle Strength for his support.
She said: “I feel very proud of what I have achieved, and I have already pre-registered for next year. I can’t believe this time last year I could hardly run let alone do a half marathon. Everybody has been so generous with their donations, and I appreciate the support I have received from everyone.
“As a family we have seen first-hand the vital work the Wales Air Ambulance do, and we will always be indebted to them. You don’t know when you are going to need the service or who will be the next person who will need it.
“Two helicopters were called out to my brother when he had his accident and if it wasn’t for this service then he may not be alive today or have recovered as well as he has.”
Tracey Ann Breese, Wales Air Ambulance’s, Events and Partnership Fundraiser, said: “Congratulations to Ceris on running her first half marathon for the Charity. It is a huge personal achievement, and she should be very proud of herself. “We are glad to hear that Ceris had a good day as well as raising vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance that helped to save her brother Calfyn’s life.
“Donations like Ceris’ will help to ensure that more people like Calfyn are helped by our lifesaving Charity across Wales.”
To support Ceris please donate to her Just Giving Page, Ceris Jones is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (justgiving.com)
