Wales Air Ambulance Charity is funded by the people of Wales and requires £6.5 million a year to keep its four helicopters in the sky, serving Wales and saving lives. The charity can be anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes, its doctors and medics fly the A&E deptartment to the patient.It also runs the Children's Wales Air Ambulance service, transferring vulnerable babies and children to the specialist hospitals across the UK.Your donations will help keep this vital service in Wales.

After successfully completing the Wales marathon last year in full flight gear, carrying a collection bucket I thought I would do the same again this year. Again I will be running the full 26.2 miles from Tenby to Pembroke and back which is a very hilly course and usually a scorcher so it's quite a challenge as I do not intend to take the helmet off until I finish! 

For those who don't know my story please take time to read ......

It all happened back in October 2016 on a lovely sunny evening. I was cycling home from work on my usual route when I was struck head on by a car causing me to hit the windscreen and catapult over the top causing near fatal injuries. My back was broken in two places, my wrist was badly broken, I also suffered a punctured lung and nearly all my ribs were broken. The force of the impact also caused the handlebar to pierce my left thigh just missing the main artery. I don't remember  much but I was told I was lucky I landed in the recovery position and had I landed differently I could have been paralysed or worse.

The air ambulance  were quickly on the scene taking over from the land Ambulance who played a huge part in stabilising me. They managed to land in a nearby field and flew me to Morriston hospital where medics  who quickly operated managing to save my leg. They also operated on my arm that night. After numerous scans and tests I continued to lay flat on my back until medics operated a week later, fixing my spine with rods and screws. Unfortunately  less than 2 days later I was rushed to ICU and put in an induced coma. My family were called and were told I had suffered multiple clots on my heart and lungs and we're told to fear the worst. I wasn't giving up! Just 2 days later I was awake asking for my running shoes!  I was in hospital over a month and it has been a long road to recovery. I feel my love for running has got me through this, despite medics saying I may not even walk again!

About 3 months after learning to walk again. I began walking with support on the treadmill. Every time I got on there I told myself I would be running again. One day. Gradually I upped the mileage  and began running again although it wasn't easy, it was something I had to do to help me cope with the trauma!  Then a few months later with lots of help from my physio I signed up for Birmingham marathon which I managed to complete surrounded by family and friends. I can't express the way I felt that day. I have ran many more races since then and recently reached my goal of 100 marathons. I feel incredibly lucky to be given a second chance and  owe so much to air ambulance for their life saving treatment that day.

Prior to my accident  after learning to swim in 2013 I began taking part in triathlons  and managed to complete Ironman Wales in 2015.

I still suffer psychologically and I take longer to recover after exercise / running but I'm hoping this will improve over time. I'm also struggling to get back on the bike which I really miss, but I feel truly blessed that I am still here and will never take life for granted again!!

When I visited the WAA Base in Llanelli I  was blown away by the work they do. I really wasn't aware that they don't receive any government funding until after my accident such a pity they have to rely on donations, but with our help we can keep them flying. It really is incredible what they can do and the sophisticated they have to help save lives. They really are super heroes.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and please feel free to donate even a small amount.

Many thanks

Mandy ❤ xx

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