A GRATEFUL student has completed the Gloucester 10k as a thank you to the medics that came to his mum’s aid.
Alex Jones, who is studying Equestrian Sports Coaching at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire, put on his running shoes and raised an incredible £450 for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Alex said: “It was a real honour to support such an incredible cause. This charity is particularly close to my heart. Unfortunately, my mum experienced a spinal cord compression, which is a life-changing and frightening experience.
“Thanks to the quick and professional response of the Welsh Air Ambulance, she was able to receive the urgent care she needed. Their intervention gave her a much better chance at living a more able-bodied life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
The 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.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to 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.
Alex completed the Gloucester 10k in 59 minutes and was supported by his family and friends.
He said: “The 10k run went really well. It was such a meaningful and emotional day, made even more special by the presence of my friends and family cheering me on. This was my first time running a race.
“I’ve never enjoyed running before, but when I had a goal to work towards it made it much more than just running. I definitely put a bit of pressure on myself because I was fundraising for a charity, but crossing that finish line made all the effort feel truly worthwhile.
“Being able to give back through this fundraiser has been an incredibly meaningful experience.”
Alex, who is originally from Pembrokeshire, set himself the fundraising target of £350, which he exceeded.
A delighted Alex said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have raised £450 for the Charity, which relies entirely on donations. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who supported the cause.”
Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for West Wales said: “A huge congratulations to Alex for completing the Gloucester 10k in aid of our all-Wales Charity.
“Alex has said that he isn’t a runner but showed his true determination and commitment to the cause by completing the 10k. He should be proud of himself.
“Alex knows first-hand how important our service is for the people of Wales. Thank you so much for supporting our Charity, we really appreciate it.
“Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Thank you to everyone who donated to Alex’s fundraiser.”
