A company director has helped raise over £5,500 for Wales Air Ambulance after it saved the life of his father following a cow attack in Tywyn.
Stephen Day was inspired to take on the 968-mile John O’Groats to Land’s End cycling challenge after the service came to the aid of his father following an incident in August 2020.
The 37-year-old who is Head of Refrigeration at Refmech in Plymouth said: “Wales Air Ambulance means a lot to my family. Without it my dad would not be here today.
“The crew were there for him, when he needed them and they help thousands of people each year. I wanted to do something to show my appreciation.”
Kieran, a former paratrooper was walking his dogs through a livestock field which borders the family property in Tywyn when he suffered life-threatening injuries.
Stephen said: “Dad was just doing something that my mum, sister, brother and I had done countless times, over the years.
“We often walk along the Cambrian Coastal Path, through a local field, which has cows or sheep grazing in it, and had never experienced a problem.
“But this day, my father encountered a cow, which stampeded, it knocked him to the ground and trampled him.”
Kieran suffered multiple fractures, punctured lungs, a lacerated liver and open wounds on his face and legs.
His mother Kate noticed the dogs at the gate and was first on the scene.
He said: “Mum called to me, and all I knew was basic first aid, which is useless in a situation like that. Dad had already called 999 and told them what had happened.
“He is an incredibly strong man, he was formerly a firearms officer for Dyfed Powys Police, as well as serving with the armed forces for 20 years.
“He is always the one we go to when we need help, so it was tough to see him in that way, struggling to breathe.”
Wales Air Ambulance attended Kieran on Wednesday, 12 August 2020. The team carried out a rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and bilateral thoracostomies as he had difficulty breathing. He was also showing signs of internal bleeding and was given blood products.
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.
It is delivered via a unique third-sector and public-sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
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.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
“It was such a relief when the crew arrived”, Stephen said. “They were unbelievable, just went straight to work, sorting dad out, and saving his life.
“We just stood there watching them, it was surreal to watch them putting my father back together. It’s something I will never forget.”
Kieran was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital, where he remained in a coma for five days and underwent surgery. Within a fortnight, he was well enough to return home.
Stephen said: “It’s remarkable, how my father was able to come back from such terrible injuries, in such a relatively short space of time.
“We are grateful to Wales Air Ambulance and the medical teams at the Royal Stoke Hospital
for the roles they all played.”
When Kieran was in hospital, he was told he would not cycle again. But he was determined to get back on his bike, and as a thank you, he cycled from the Hook of Holland to Arnhem raising over £2,000 for the Charity.
“My dad inspires me every day and his fundraising journey, spurred me on to do the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge”, he said.
“It took six months of training, then the ride itself was over ten days. It took a lot of planning, and support from my wife Heather and company, who have been fantastic.”
Stephen set off from a cold and wet John O’Groats on Sunday 2 August, but by the time he reached England, temperatures were sweltering around 28 degrees Celsius.
The father-of-two said: “I had some good advice from a friend who had previously done the route. He told me not to think about how many days are ahead – to take each one as it comes. Face any issues as they arise and move on.
“Initially I planned to do the ride alone, just me, my bike and a backpack. But thankfully my parents, wanted to join me, and I was so grateful for their support.
“Dad initially planned to do part of the route with me, but his bike let him down and he ended up looking after the route planning. Mum kept us all motivated, and fed. It worked out perfectly.”
When Stephen arrived at Land’s End, he received a hero’s welcome. He said: “My wife Heather had organised a large group of family and friends to meet me on the finish line.
“My son and daughter were there waving the chequered flag; it was amazing to see them all after ten days apart.”
Stephen has already topped his £5,000 target, but plans to keep his Just Giving page open for another week. Stephen Day is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust
Elaine Orr, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager said: “Stephen clocked up an incredible 968 miles, in aid of our lifesaving service, during the heatwave.
“We are very grateful to him and his parents Kieran and Kate for going on the road with him and supporting his challenge in aid of our Charity.
“It’s wonderful that Kieran, made such a good recovery after sustaining terrible injuries and touching that he wishes to give back to us too.
“Our supporters play such an important role, ensuring we continue to be there for the people of Wales, whenever and wherever they need us.
“Every pound raise makes a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
