AN INSPIRATIONAL woman who nearly lost her life has remarkably put on her running shoes and completed a half marathon in China as a thank you to the medics that saved her life.
Physiotherapist Gemma Hill, 24, from Pontypridd, was involved in a 60mph head-on car crash in February, and required lifesaving critical care interventions from the Wales Air Ambulance.
At the side of the road, the crew gave Gemma a pre-hospital anaesthetic and intubated her, before transferring her to the University of Wales Hospital, in Cardiff where she underwent emergency brain surgery due to a brain bleed. She spent three weeks in an induced coma.
As well as the emergency craniotomy Gemma fractured her neck in two places and her left knee, which required surgical fixation.
After discovering that the Wales Air Ambulance is a charity, Gemma and her family wanted to raise funds and that’s exactly what they did. They raised an incredible £15,105 by completing the Chengdu Marathon and Half Marathon, just 8 months after the accident.
Gemma, her mum Clare, brother Sean, uncle Andy, and three cousins Frankie, Dan and Katie took on the half marathon and her aunt Fiona and cousins Ciara and Liam completed the marathon.
She said: “My cousin Frankie recently got engaged to his partner Duo who is from Cheng Du in China. The idea to go out to China and meet her family and run the marathon/half marathon in the city grew when my family were chatting in the family room in the Intensive Care Unit when I was in hospital. Nobody could even imagine at the time that I would be running it – 8 months to the day after the accident!
“Words can’t describe how important this service is. I was completely shocked to find out it is charity funded and as soon as I did, I knew I wanted to do something to support. Without their quick response and care, I may not be here today never mind being well enough to complete this challenge – so I’m forever grateful.
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
The crew can administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Despite Gemma’s rehab journey ‘feeling very long and frustrating at times’ she is making a very good recovery. She said: “I am back to work, driving and going to the gym and building back up to normal. I obviously still have some lasting difficulties, such as very frequent headaches, reduced information processing and memory/concentration which affects me at work. My knee is not yet pain free, but I try not to let this stop me from doing the things I want to do.”
The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every ensure to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
Reflecting on the amazing amount raised by the ten of them, Gemma said: “I felt overwhelmed by the support we received; we weren’t expecting to raise as much as we did! We are all grateful for every donation and I definitely hope to do more challenges in the future.”
Christian Sullivan, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South Wales said: “What a remarkable lady Gemma is. Just eight months after her accident she took part in the half marathon – which is incredible.
“Gemma you are a true inspiration and we’re so pleased that the Wales Air Ambulance was there for you when you needed their help. A huge thank you also goes out to Gemma’s family for raising a huge amount for the Wales Air Ambulance by completing the marathon and half marathon.
“The Charity replies on donations, and fundraisers like these will enable us to continue to provide our lifesaving service for the people of Wales. Thank you all so much.”
There’s still time to donate to the fundraiser by visiting their JustGiving page.
