Charity

Dad celebrates his son’s first Christmas thanks to the Wales Air Ambulance

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2022

THERE will be an extra bit of festive sparkle in the Jones household this year as dad Richard and his partner Michaela celebrate their son Dougie’s first Christmas.

But this wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the Wales Air Ambulance. Without them Richard, 34, wouldn’t be here today, he wouldn’t have met his partner and his son wouldn’t have been born.

Richard is one of the Wales Air Ambulance’s survivors and, thankfully, he is here this Christmas to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with his loved ones.

It could have been a lot different. The father-of-one had been travelling to work in his truck and had a road accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. The early and critical care he received from the Wales Air Ambulance crew undoubtedly saved his life.

Upon arrival, Dr Bob Tipping and Critical Care Practitioner Marc Allen spotted signs of internal bleeding. At the roadside they gave six units of blood products to help Richard’s significant blood loss, and due to the severity of his injuries, particularly his leg, they gave general anaesthetic and put him on a ventilator to control his breathing.

Richard, of Tenby, was transferred to the nearest specialist centre for limb injuries and was so ill the decision was made to amputate part of his right leg. Whilst recovering in Swansea’s Morriston Hospital he got to know a nurse, who is now mum to their beautiful eight month old baby boy and they are looking forward to spending their first Christmas as a family of three.

Richard is looking forward to spending their first Christmas together as a family of three

Richard said: “For me, my Christmas miracle is my life. My feelings towards Christmas have certainly changed since the accident. As much as you try not to, you do find yourself wondering ‘what if.’ I don’t take anything for granted like I used to. It will be an extra special occasion for me and my family this year and celebrating my son Dougie’s first Christmas.

“I look forward to spending time with my family and friends and enjoying lots of delicious food – especially pigs in blankets!”

Since his accident, Richard has had to learn a whole new way of living, including walking with a prosthetic limb. He admits he has good days and bad days and now puts more time aside for himself instead of rushing about as much as he did before the accident.

He said: “The whole team at Wales Air Ambulance have inspired and given me so much. I am giving back in my own way – I give peer support to others who have limb amputations, and I recently took part in a fishing competition raising funds for the Charity; fishing has been one of my lifelong hobbies.

“I’ve always heard stories about all the amazing things the Wales Air Ambulance do.

“However, I never really thought about the service before and never thought I’d end up needing their assistance. I was surprised to find out that, despite the amazing work they do, the Charity is solely funded by public donations. They operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day.

“Whilst I’m tucking into my Christmas Dinner and enjoying time with loved ones, I will be thinking of those who have given up their Christmas to save lives.”

If like Richard, you would like to support the Charity and help them save more lives this Christmas you can donate by visiting A Christmas Miracle | Welsh Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (walesairambulance.com)

Charity

RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white

chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.

In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands around to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches – Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Charity

Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAM FAULKNER is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.

Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.

Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.

“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.

“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.

“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/sam-faulkner-1712508280259

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

6 days ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.