Firefighter’s charity challenge
A WELSH Ambulance Service worker is lacing up his boots to trek up Wales’ tallest peak.
Colin Reed, 33, from Swansea was inspired to walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to fundraise for the Wales Air Ambulance charity after seeing the first-hand work it does.
Colin who works in the 999 emergency call centre in Carmarthenshire as an emergency medical Dispatcher, whose aim is to become a paramedic, said: “I have particular interest in the incredible skills available to the people of Wales because of our Wales Air Ambulance team. I’d love to join the team someday as a critical care practitioner.”
He added: “When I joined the Welsh Ambulance Service, I was utterly mind-blown to find out that the Wales Air Ambulance is funded
entirely by donations! £11.2m each year is required to keep this critical service operational, which is both a testament to the generosity of the people, and equally terrifying to think that without such kindness, we wouldn’t
have the service. I chose to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance because I want to do my bit to keep them in the air and on the road.”
Colin is looking forward to the hike and set himself the fundraising target of £1,000 and has so far raised £850.
When he reaches his target, he will set a date for the climb.
Reflecting on the hike, he said: “It will be challenging, but I’ve got the support of friends and family, a few of whom have decided to take part in the hike with me.
“I’ve never been to Snowdon, I love an adventure and I’m excited to get to see it for myself.”
Laura Coyne, Wales Air Ambulance’s
community fundraising manager said: “Good luck to Colin in his attempt to climb Snowdon.
“It is wonderful to hear that after seeing the work of our team through his job that he would one day like to become a critical care practitioner.
“Thank you for choosing our charity to fundraise for, people like Colin help us to maintain our lifesaving service. On behalf of everybody at Wales Air Ambulance, and everybody across Wales who will benefit from this fundraising, I would like to say thank you and good luck.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
As a all-wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
To support Colin, visit his Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com