A playworker from Bridgend has faced her fear of heights by taking the plunge with a skydive in memory of her dad.
Ellie Thomas, 20, set herself the challenge of raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance after her father, Guy, suffered a severe stroke and sadly passed away on New Year’s Day.
Ellie said: “I lost my best friend and my whole life got turned upside down instantly when my dad passed away suddenly. The Wales Air Ambulance arrived within minutes after being called to assist my dad at our home.”
The care that Guy, 56, received from the medics and comfort the family received following his death from the Charity’s aftercare service is something the family ‘will be forever grateful for’.
Ellie said: “I decided to raise funds for the Charity in the hope of making a meaningful impact in memory and honour of my dad, as well as supporting the operation of the helicopters and critical care teams to help others who need their care, knowing that they rely on volunteers and fundraising to provide this service.”
Guy has been described as a loving man and amazing father, who has ‘left a massive hole in the family’s hearts’ and a huge void in their lives.
Ellie said: “There’s so many things I could say about my dad, he was one of a kind, the bravest man I knew and he always knew how to make people laugh even on their bad days.
“Every time we were together we’d always be laughing and smiling no matter what. He was always my go to person, and my safe place.”
The 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 £11.2 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.
Ellie is overwhelmed with the £625 she has raised for the all-Wales Charity and is ‘thankful’ to everyone who helped her fundraise. Ellie and her family plan on fundraising for the Charity close to their hearts in the future.
Reflecting on the skydive, which took place at Swansea Airport, Ellie said: “The skydive was incredible! It was a such an amazing experience and the best thing I’ve ever done. I never knew jumping out of a plane would be so fun.
“I never felt so close to my dad, the whole time during my skydive I couldn’t stop smiling. It was a day full of different emotions but being able to raise money for a charity while doing one of my fears was the most rewarding feeling. Most importantly knowing i did my dad proud is the best feeling.
“One thing my dad always taught me was never to be scared of living, life is too short to be scared, and since his passing I have a whole new perspective on life. My skydive was a moment of reflection and love for the man who made me, my hero, and for once I’m glad I took my dad’s advice and did something I’d never thought I’d do.”
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, said: “Congratulations to Ellie on facing her fears and taking on the huge challenge of a skydive in memory of her father. Guy sounded like a wonderful man and father and the skydive was a wonderful way for Ellie to have honoured him. Ellie should be extremely proud of her achievement.
“It is always heartwarming to hear of family members, who go on to fundraise for the Charity after the death of a loved one. Ellie has raised an incredible £625 for our Charity, which we are really grateful of.
“Ellie’s fundraiser will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Thank you so much.”
