Published:25 March 2024

After successfully completing two half marathons last year, Steven Jackson is now hoping to raise more funds for the charity that helped him, by taking part in the London Marathon.

Steven, from St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan, was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance following a bike accident in Tenby whilst competing in the Long Course Weekend event, in 2022.

The air ambulance service in Wales delivers advanced critical care across Wales and is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership between Wales Air Ambulance and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).

Steven received treatment on scene from the crew onboard Wales Air Ambulance before being flown to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he spent seven weeks being treated for a traumatic brain injury.

A grateful Steve previously ran the Swansea and Cardiff half marathons for the all-Wales

Charity and raised an astonishing £2,000. This year he will put on his running shoes again and with the help and support of friends and family, Steven hopes to raise a further £1,000.

Feeling a deep gratitude for the charity, Steven said: “I was very lucky to receive the help of the service in 2022. Thankfully, the emergency support I received from the air ambulance crew on the day avoided a significantly different outcome for me. Following my accident I have become acutely aware of the lifesaving support the charity provides to people across Wales and feel honoured to be in a position to support the service to continue to do this.”

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.

Steven, who works as Programme Manager for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Training is going well although the fatigue is beginning to set in, as expected as the mileage increases with just over a month to go. I'm looking forward to some spring sunshine now and not running in the persistent rain.

“My friends are massively supportive and there are colleagues running the London Marathon too, so we are able to support each other through the training and aim to run together on the day, as long as the competitive edge doesn't overtake us!”

Steven added that he is extremely grateful for the support of his family. He said: “None of this would be possible without the support of my wife Sarah, and son Harvey, who support my training - especially when I need to disappear for hours on end during my weekend training runs. I could not do this without the fantastic support from them now and during my rehab after my accident.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is funded by the people of Wales and relies entirely on charitable donations to raise £11.2 million every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road across Wales.

Laura Coyne, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It is wonderful to hear that Steven is doing well since his accident. Thank you so much for continuing to raise funds for our cause. This is his third fundraiser and what a challenge it will be!

“Having experienced the benefits of our service first-hand, Steven continues to support the Charity so that we can come to the aid of others across Wales.

“We wouldn’t be able to keep our helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road if it wasn’t for the generous donations we receive from people like Steven. We wish him all the best with his training.”

With the help and support of friends and family, Steve hopes to raise a further £1,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

You can show your support to Steve by donating to his JustGiving page here. www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-jackson-1709587889313