CURTIS’ FAMILY ‘FOREVER IN DEBT’ TO AIR AMBULANCE

Five-year-old returns to thank team for life-saving mission as service

WHEN Curtis Thompson was just three days old, his family were told he had a rare liver condition. After undergoing surgery, he was in desperate need of a liver transplant which meant getting from his home in Carmarthenshire to London as quickly as possible when a transplant became available. His transfer was against the clock and travel by air with the Wales Air Ambulance was his only option to make it on time.

His mum Nikki said: “At 7:30am on 3 January 2018, the phone rang. I knew it was them and was almost too terrified to answer.

“The voice on the phone said they had a suitable liver for Curtis and they wanted us to come to London immediately. As we frantically prepared for our trip we were called back and told that an ambulance was en-route and instead of taking us to London we would be driven straight to the Wales Air Ambulance.”

It was a difficult goodbye for his dad who had to stay home with his brothers Connor, 14, Joshua, two, and 11-month-old Finley.

As the risk of complications during surgery was so high, the family were told that he may not survive the operation. Curtis’ dad had to say goodbye not knowing if he would see his little boy again. But it was a success. And now five-year-old Curtis has been back to thank the team who were instrumental in helping to save his life.

His grateful mum describes it as the “gift of life”.

She said: “Curtis was given the gift of life. Without his liver donation and the service of the Wales Air Ambulance, Curtis would not be here doing all the normal things people take for granted.

“I can honestly say that we could never repay Wales Air Ambulance for their help and kindness. They were so reassuring during a time when I was scared, and they provide such care and support to families just like us. We are forever in debt to them all.”

The crew took him to and from the hospital and the treatment received was second to none.

Nikki says: “Curtis was treated like royalty. He was shown around the helicopter and was so excited – me not so much. The crew made him comfy with his teddy and a Wales Air Ambulance mascot toy. I was so impressed by how they treated him; they got down to his level and reassured us both.”

Curtis story has been told at a time when the helicopter has never been busier.

According to figures released this week, 2018 was the busiest ever year for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and its medics.

The charity, which started operating in 2001, received 2,828 calls during 2018.

That’s 274 more than in 2017 and 450 more than in 2016.

At a cost of £6.5m per year, Wales Air Ambulance now runs four aircraft. These are based in Welshpool, Caernarfon, Dafen (Llanelli) and Cardiff, and they can be anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes.

Angela Hughes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, said: “Our ser- they