Published: 10 June 2024

A North Wales man who crushed his leg in an accident is walking 50 miles for the Wales Air Ambulance to show his appreciation to the medics that helped save his leg.

Nick Owen, 27, from Cynwyd, suffered a nasty accident which saw his leg being trapped in November 2022. 

Nick, who works in the forestry industry, was found and rescued over seven hours after his accident. 

The air ambulance service in Wales is delivered via a unique Third sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Nick received advanced critical care at the scene from the crew onboard Wales Air Ambulance. Once stable, he was flown to the major trauma unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Nick underwent two surgeries to save his leg and spent two and a half weeks in hospital. Despite his injuries Nick is putting on his walking shoes to take on the Charity’s annual Walk Wales challenge.

Walk Wales is a fundraiser which allows participants to walk, jog or run, different distances each year, whilst raising funds. This year, to mark the milestone of 50,000 missions, one of which was Nick, the Charity is asking supporters to walk, run or jog 50 miles throughout the month of June. 

Nick said: “This service saved me from a nasty accident. Without the Wales Air Ambulance, which relies entirely on charitable donations, it would of been a very different outcome. I want to say thank you to everyone at the scene and to show my support so I’m walking 50 miles this month.

“The challenge is going well so far, I have done a couple of miles at the weekend and am going to walk around Llyn Alwen and Llyn Tegid.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7 throughout Wales, the Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep the helicopters flying and its rapid response vehicles on the road. 

Since his accident, Nick, who used to play football for Corwen FC, goes to the gym up to four times a week and he works with a personal trainer who helps with strengthening his leg.

He added: “My leg is doing really good. I'm back in the gym and running short distances, unfortunately I'm not playing football yet but hopefully someday I can join the team again.” 

This is the first time that Nick has fundraised for the Charity, however his girlfriend Alex Hewitt took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for the cause. She raised a fantastic £500.

Nick is delighted to have already smashed his fundraising target of £350 for the Charity - with the donations totaling £417. 

“I was over the moon by how many people donated and reaching the target so soon was very much appreciated.” added Nick.

Deb Sima, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “To hear what Nick has been through in such a short time and hearing that he is taking on the Walk Wales challenge is just inspirational. Nick has been through so much and despite nearly losing his leg he is pushing himself daily. Nick knows firsthand how essential our service is for the people of Wales. Fundraisers, like this one, will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most – just like when Nick needed the Wales Air Ambulance. 

“We wish him well with the rest of his challenge and thank you to everyone who helped him smash his fundraising target. We really do appreciate it.”