Gemma boosts charity after medics’ efforts to save dad’s life
A GRATEFUL Ammanford mum has raised £350 by running 50 miles for the Wales Air Ambulance after the charity’s medics tried to save her dad’s life.
The air medics were first on the scene after Gemma Pritchard’s dad, Gerry, suffered a heart attack in February 2019. He sadly passed away in intensive care two days later.
Speaking of the care her dad received, the mum-of-one said: “The service they provided was out of this world. Every member of the crew kept us updated every chance they could. They worked tirelessly to save my dad and despite all efforts he sadly passed away a few days later. I will forever owe them my life for all the efforts that evening.
“Losing our dad was so hard after already losing my mother in 2011. We had to go through all the heartache of losing another parent.”
Gemma, 30, who works in Jenkins Bakery and as a cleaner, completed the 50-mile challenge in 13 days. Running wasn’t something that came naturally to Gemma before the fundraiser. She was supported by her husband Owain and daughter Lillie-may, aged five, to complete the challenge.
Owain did the last run with Gemma, which was 10 miles. She added: “I couldn’t run 10 seconds before the challenge, he pushed me massively to achieve my goal.
“My first run I managed three miles, then I upped it to five miles, then six and then I went straight in for the 10 miles. My poor feet still feel it now. I knew this would be a massive challenge to myself.”
This is Gemma’s first fundraiser and she is already thinking of different ways she can raise funds for the charity in future.
She said: “I’m overwhelmed at the funds I did raise, although I would’ve loved to raise a lot. I’m still very happy with what I have raised for my first of many fundraisers for such an amazing crew.
“I’d like to thank everyone who donated. I’m so proud of completing my challenge.”
Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance fundraising manager, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support Gemma has shown our charity. It is incredible to hear that despite Gemma’s loss she still wanted to show her support to our medics. It’s inspirational to hear that she picked a 50-mile fundraiser even though she couldn’t previously run before the challenge.
“Thank you to Gemma and everyone who has supported her. We’re delighted to hear Gemma hopes to raise more funds in the future for our charity.”
My first run I managed three miles, then I upped it to five miles, then six and then I went straight in for the 10 miles. My poor feet still feel it now. - Gemma Pritchard