THE selfless work of air ambulance paramedics has received a well-deserved boost thanks to the efforts of a man who completed this year's MBNA Chester Marathon.
Scott Owen wanted to give back to Wales Air Ambulance as a thank you for saving his father’s life.
His dad Ashley Owen, 61, suffered a huge heart attack on a remote beach in Porth Towyn in Wales four years ago.
It was thanks to the rapid nature of the air ambulance charity that Ashley was transported to hospital and treated.
“Wales Air Ambulance rescued my dad from the beach after his massive heart attack and flew him to hospital for an emergency operation,” said 38-year-old Scott.
“If they had not been able to help, he probably would not have survived.
Scott Owen after finishing the Chester Marathon in support of Wales Air Ambulance charity
“We could never fully repay the Wales Air Ambulance service for their efforts that day.”
To show his appreciation for the charity’s efforts however, Scott decided to put on his running shoes to run his first marathon in Chester.
And in the process, the Skills for Security operations worker from Padgate was able to raise £1,200 – more than double his initial target.
A father-of-one himself, Scott says he enjoyed the marathon for the first 21 miles, but adds that the last five miles were ‘absolute torture’ before he finished in a time of three hours, 59 minutes and two seconds.
Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘flying emergency department’.
The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world.
They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.
Debra Sima, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “It is humbling to hear stories of family members raising funds for our charity as a thank you for saving their loved ones’ lives.
“Congratulations to Scott for completing the Chester Marathon – he raised a fantastic amount for the Wales Air Ambulance.
“Also, a huge thank you goes to everyone who donated to his fundraiser and who supported Scott on the day.
“Every donation will help keep our helicopters in the air so we can continue to take the emergency department to the patient, saving time and saving lives – just like Ashley’s.”
If you would like to donate to Scott’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ScottOwen15
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