Charity

How my life was saved by Wales Air Ambulance after garage roof fall

Published

11 months ago

September 2, 2024

A WEST WALES man has spoken out about the lifesaving care he received from the Welsh Air Ambulance after a terrifying accident at his home. Chris Heyns, who works for Utility Warehouse, shared his story in hopes of highlighting the vital service provided by the air ambulance team.

On 21st July, Mr Heyns, from Bridgend, suffered a serious accident when he fell from the roof of his garage, landing on the concrete floor below. The fall left him unconscious and, upon regaining consciousness, he was in excruciating pain. It was later revealed that he had shattered two vertebrae and sustained a bleed on the brain.

“My wife called 999, but unfortunately, the nearest ambulance wouldn’t arrive for around 80 minutes,” Mr Heyns recalled. “However, just five minutes later, she received a call saying the air ambulance would be with me in 15 minutes.”

The Welsh Air Ambulance team arrived swiftly and provided Mr Heyns with much-needed pain relief, helping to ease his suffering. His wife described the crew as “amazing and so professional” in their handling of the situation.

Mr Heyns was airlifted to Cardiff University Hospital, where he underwent spinal surgery the following day. After spending three weeks in hospital, he is now recovering at home, though he acknowledges that the road to full recovery will take time.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Mr Heyns expressed his deep gratitude for the air ambulance service. “I could not imagine what my wife and I would have had to endure if the Welsh Air Ambulance team hadn’t arrived so swiftly,” he said.

Although Mr Heyns admits that he had never previously donated to the air ambulance, his experience has prompted him to take action. “After my ordeal, I’m pledging to raise money next year to truly say a huge thank you for being there for all of us in times of need.”

Mr Heyns’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role played by the Welsh Air Ambulance in saving lives across the region, often in the most challenging of circumstances.

The Welsh Air Ambulance Charity operates four helicopters, which are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering every corner of Wales. Each year, the service responds to approximately 3,500 missions, delivering advanced critical care to those in dire need, whether in remote rural areas, busy urban centres, or on major roads. The helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the highly skilled crews include critical care practitioners, paramedics, and consultants.

Since its inception in 2001, the Welsh Air Ambulance has saved countless lives, providing a lifeline for patients who might otherwise face long waits for emergency treatment. The charity relies entirely on public donations to keep flying, with each mission costing an average of £1,500.

For many, like Mr Heyns, the Welsh Air Ambulance is not just a service but a literal lifesaver, making it an essential part of the emergency medical landscape in Wales. As Mr Heyns prepares to raise funds to support the charity, his story highlights the importance of sustaining this vital service for the benefit of all.

Charity

Sisters raise more than £2,000 for ICU in memory of their mother

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Berlin Half Marathon run honours Glangwili Hospital care

TWO sisters have raised more than £2,400 for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Glangwili Hospital following the death of their mother.

Kim Hawkins and Jenny Slocomb completed the Berlin Half Marathon in April, raising £2,418 for the Critical Care Unit where their mum, Sally Hawkins, was cared for before she passed away.

Speaking after the run, Kim said: “Taking part in the Berlin Half Marathon gave us something positive to focus on during a really difficult time. Mum loved gardening, so we wanted to raise money in her memory and help create something beautiful for others. Our hope is that the money will go towards the ICU’s patient garden. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us.”

Nerys Davies, Senior Nurse Manager at the unit, said: “We are deeply thankful to Kim and Jenny for their incredible fundraising effort. Running a half marathon in memory of their mum is such a meaningful tribute, and the funds they’ve raised will help us support patients and their families during some of their most critical moments.”

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “Community support like this makes a real difference. It helps us provide care and experiences that go beyond what NHS funding alone can offer. Every donation helps improve the wellbeing of patients and staff across the Hywel Dda area.”

To find out more about supporting local NHS services, visit: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Charity

Swimmer with 1% chance of survival returns to Newgale to thank lifesavers

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

London woman reunited with Wales Air Ambulance medics one year after near-fatal sea rescue

A LONDON woman who was given just a one per cent chance of survival after being pulled unconscious from the sea at Newgale has returned to west Wales to thank the team who saved her life.

Joanna Hicks, 64, was enjoying a holiday in Pembrokeshire in July 2023 when a routine morning swim with her friend Philippa turned into a life-threatening ordeal.

Joanna, a confident swimmer, was caught in a powerful rip current and dragged out to sea. Her friend managed to return to shore and raise the alarm.

Major rescue effort

Emergency services, including RNLI lifeboats, lifeguards, ambulance crews, and a coastguard helicopter, launched a coordinated search effort. After an estimated 40 minutes in the water, RNLI lifeguard Matty McLeod spotted Joanna floating face down and pulled her to shore.

“She was lifeless, blue, and not breathing,” he said.

Joanna went into cardiac arrest. Critical care medics from the Wales Air Ambulance were dispatched by helicopter and arrived on scene shortly after.

Critical care on the beach

The team on board included Critical Care Consultant Mike Slattery, Critical Care Practitioner Josh Eason, and pilot James Gardiner. They worked quickly to resuscitate Joanna, whose heart had stopped three times.

She was given a pre-hospital anaesthetic and placed on a ventilator to prevent brain damage, before being airlifted to Glangwili Hospital.

“The Wales Air Ambulance crew brought the hospital to the beach,” Joanna said. “They saved my life with procedures that are usually only possible in an intensive care unit.”

Survival against the odds

Joanna spent 10 days in ICU, much of it in an induced coma. Remarkably, she survived with no lasting physical damage and was discharged after three weeks. She later continued her recovery in London with the support of a rehabilitation centre and friends.

Earlier this year, she was reunited with Josh, the medic who treated her on the beach and accompanied her on the helicopter.

“It was joyful and emotional,” she said. “He told me how close I came to dying. Without their skill and calm under pressure, I wouldn’t be here.”

Emotional return to Newgale

Joanna’s return to Newgale was organised by Wales Air Ambulance Patient Liaison Nurse, Jo Yeoman.

“It’s been a long road for Joanna to come to terms with what happened,” said Jo. “Meeting the people involved in her care has been a vital part of her healing.”

Despite the trauma, Joanna is now back volunteering at Kew Gardens and has returned to indoor swimming.

“I’ve not swum in the sea again yet,” she said. “But I will, in time.”

Grateful for a second chance

Reflecting on her rescue, Joanna said: “If the Wales Air Ambulance hadn’t flown those medics to the beach, I wouldn’t be alive today. It still astonishes me that this service, so vital to my survival, is a charity that relies solely on donations.”

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.

To support the charity, visit: www.walesairambulance.com/donate

Charity

Community unites for Forever 11 charity day in memory of Zac Thompson

Published

3 days ago

July 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Family fun, heartfelt tributes and water safety awareness mark touching event

A REMARKABLE show of community spirit filled the fields on Saturday (July 12) as the Forever 11 Charity hosted a vibrant family fun day in memory of Zac Thompson.

Hundreds attended the event, which featured bouncy castles, craft workshops, stalls, and dance performances. A highlight was the emotional tribute from Megan Garrett, who performed a song she wrote for Zac and played “Lost Boy” on guitar—a piece that held special meaning for Zac’s family. Organisers said Megan’s performance was “absolutely amazing” and captured the spirit of the day.

The charity, set up in Zac’s memory, aims to support bereaved families and raise awareness of child loss. The event was also a platform for promoting safety, with local organisation Paddle West teaming up with Forever 11 to highlight key water safety messages.

Graham from Paddle West spoke about the importance of education: “This year, we’ve trained around 700 Year 5 and 6 pupils in the Paddle UK ‘Paddle Safer’ qualification. We teach children how to rescue themselves, check their equipment, and dress safely for water conditions.”

He reminded families of five vital rules: “Always wear a buoyancy aid, tell someone where you’re going, carry a mobile phone, check the weather, and know your limits.”

The partnership will continue over the summer, with free boat hire and safety sessions planned at Pembroke Castle Pond on August 4 and Milford Beach Activity Centre on August 14.

The Herald understands the fun day was a resounding success, with organisers promising further thank-yous to volunteers, dance schools, stallholders and helpers throughout the week. “You were all incredible,” said one organiser. “We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Photos from the day showed children enjoying craft tables and face painting, families relaxing under marquees, and a lively game of tag rugby under a clear blue sky.