A Swansea woman will be taking on the Ironman 70.3 Swansea to raise funds for a charity to close to her heart – Wales Air Ambulance.

Jenny Rose, who describes herself as ‘no triathlete’ is raising funds after the Charity’s medics helped saved her mother’s life after she suffered ‘one of the worst brain haemorrhages a person could have’.

In 2016 Jenny’s mum Jackie was out in Oxwich Leisure Park, in the Gower when she became ill and collapsed.

Jenny explained: “She suffered one of the worst brain haemorrhages a person could have. She collapsed, thankfully my father found her and was able to call 999. The air ambulance team flew her to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff where she received lifesaving surgery. 

“For anyone that knows my mother, they will know what an incredible person she is. She has always dedicated her life to making other people’s lives better. Through a career in the NHS, as a sister, senior nurse in A&E, prison nurse and now vice chairman of a local charity - "Forget Me Not".

“If it wasn't for the air ambulance, my mother would not be here today. I will forever be eternally grateful for them.”

Following her brain haemorrhage, Jackie underwent emergency surgery and remained in the high dependency unit for ten days. Just 14 days later she was discharged from hospital and remarkably returned to work as a nurse four months after she collapsed.

Jenny added: “Mum has a brain scan every year and the neurosurgical team always remark on the fact that the timely nature of arriving at University Hospital of Wales was the main factor for full recovery with no brain damage.  We are all so proud of her and so grateful to the Wales Air Ambulance for saving her life, allowing her to continue being the most incredible woman, wife, mother and grandmother that continues to serve others and put everyone else first.”

Jenny will not be taking on the challenge alone, which consists of a 1.2 mile sea swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1mile run, she will be joined by her father Mike. They have already raised £755 of their £5,000 fundraising target.

Jenny who works as a Support Facilitator at Tata Steel added: “I'm delighted to say that I'll be taking on this challenge with my machine of a father, who is still an athlete at the golden age of 60. It’s a pretty crazy challenge to sign up to as I'm no triathlete, but I'd like to use this as a chance to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance. The Wales Air Ambulance is funded purely with donations, it requires an astonishing £8 million a year to keep its four helicopters in the sky, saving precious lives across Wales.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity 24/7 emergency service offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. 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.   

Jackie has recovered well from her brain haemorrhage and currently works ‘tirelessly with the dementia day club to move them forward and raise awareness’, which has brought such a positive impact to the local community over the past few years.

Jackie is currently leading a project to develop a beautiful garden area for individuals and families living with dementia to enjoy, which is located at Siloam Baptist Church, Killay.

Ironman Swansea will take place on Sunday 7 August 2022.

Jane Griffiths, Community Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Good luck to Jenny and her father Mike on their up-and-coming Ironman Swansea. The event is one that many people would shy away from. Both Jenny and Mike know how important the Wales Air Ambulance is to the people of Wales. It is wonderful to hear that Jackie is now well. Fundraisers, like Jenny’s, will help us raise the £8 million every year to keep our emergency helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Thank you both for supporting our Charity.”

Jenny’s friends and family are very proud of her and are giving her plenty of encouragement. She currently has a triathlon coach to helping prepare her for the day.

You can show your support to Jenny and Mike by donating to their Just Giving Page Ironman (70.3 mile) Swansea challenge.