The family of 17-year-old Ethan Ross, who tragically died in September 2020, have presented the Wales Air Ambulance with £50,000 in memory of the ‘hugely popular and well-respected’ teen.    

Ethan suffered a devastating brain injury after being hit by a car on the A55 whilst riding his moped travelling home from work. The Wales Air Ambulance flew Ethan to the Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital but, tragically, he died two days later.   

Ethan’s parents, Helen and Paul, from St. Asaph, called on the public to take part in the ‘Move a Marathon for Ethan’ fundraiser in memory of their selfless, kind and gifted son. 

Move a Marathon for Ethan was a weekend event in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and Young Minds charities and raised over £100,000.

The fundraiser encouraged people of all ages to help raise money by moving 26.2 miles. The miles could be completed by either walking, swimming, running or hiking. Alternatively, people also found a creative way to take part.   

Ethan’s father, Paul and brother Callum set themselves the challenge of completing the marathon which took place on Sunday 20 June.   

Ethan was a hugely popular and well-respected young man who worked part-time as a waiter in Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, and was also a member of the Denbigh Town FC Development Squad. He was ‘selfless, kind, caring, determined, quiet and gifted with huge competitive nature’.    

Helen Ross, Ethan’s mum, said: “Ethan was studying Maths and Physics A Levels at Denbigh High School and hoping to go on to Bristol University to study Aerospace Engineering. He had great aspirations and desires. He wanted to travel the world. Ethan was so organised and had his life mapped out. He loved to sing and would bellow out the Greatest Showman song 'Never Enough' at the top of his voice.    

“Ethan loved science and space and had a huge passion for stars and the universe. The world will be an emptier place now he is not in it.”    

Ethan had written the following for his university personal statement, which his family said sums Ethan up to a tee – ‘As a young man fascinated with the world around me, I have found myself always drawn to looking up to the sky. I want my life to have purpose and benefit mankind in some way’.    

Speaking about Ethan’s words, Helen said: “He has certainly done this giving so many a gift of life with his organ donations. We must now carry on his legacy.”   

Ethan’s parents are delighted to have raised so much money for charity in memory of Ethan, Helen and Paul Ross, said: “We are very proud of everyone who has supported and helped us raise such a magnificent amount of money. We would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who took part and supported Move a Marathon for Ethan’s 2021 in memory of our son Ethan and in aid of our chosen charities.  

“It was an honour to present the Wales Air Ambulance with a cheque for £50,000 from everyone who took part in move a marathon for Ethan 2021in Ethan’s memory. The service relies on donations. It cost over £2,000 every time the air ambulance is called to an emergency. Getting the medics there within that golden hour is vital and can be the difference between life and death. They could not save Ethan but with our support and Ethan’s legacy they can continue to save many others.”  

Debra Sima, the Charity’s North East Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “It is impossible to imagine the pain and sadness that the family must be going through. From such a tragic incident, the Ross family decided to raise money to help two important charities. This is truly awe-inspiring and shows incredible resilience. They’ve raised over £100,000 for two important charities and an incredible £50,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance in memory of Ethan. We can’t thank the family enough. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in Move a Marathon for Ethan or supported the family during the fundraiser. You’re all helping us to be there for the people of Wales 24/7.”