A Flintshire mum who only took up running last year has raised over £1,400 for the Wales Air Ambulance after putting on her running shoes to complete her first-ever half marathon.
Rachel Squires, 51, from Bryn-y-Baal, ran the Warrington Half Marathon on Sunday 20 September.
The self-employed hairdresser began running casually last year and completed her first 10K in April. Training for the half marathon required dedication and discipline, and at times Rachel doubted whether she would finish it. But her determination kept her going to reach her goal.
A delighted Rachel said: “I was so nervous that morning, but once I got going, I just settled into it. The support all the way round was amazing. People were out of their houses handing out drinks and sweets, there was music and loads of people cheering. All the marshals and volunteers were brilliant too, and they really did help get me through those last few miles.
“I had some lovely messages from friends and family through the rally app too. Some made me laugh, some made me cry and a few genuinely choked me. They really did help keep me going.
“I was incredibly emotional when I finished, especially seeing my husband Dave waiting for me at the finish line. I never in a million years thought I’d ever run a half marathon, so actually getting over that finish line was pretty special.”
Reflecting on why she wanted to fundraise for the all-Wales Charity, Rachel said: “I’ve lived in North Wales all my life, so I really wanted to support a local charity. You see the helicopters overhead and hear stories from people you know about the difference the Wales Air Ambulance has made, so you realise just how important the service is.
“I also wanted to support a charity that relies on donations to stay in the air, and knowing that any of us could need it one day really stuck with me.”
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 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.
The mum-of-two, who set her fundraising target at £250 has raised an incredible £1,448 for the lifesaving Charity.
Rachel is touched by people’s generosity, she said: “Honestly, I’m blown away with how much I’ve raised. It is just incredible. My family, friends, clients and everyone at my gym, V2 Physique in Mold, have been so generous. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated and supported me.
“Knowing it’s going towards helping keep the Wales Air Ambulance flying makes it all feel even more worthwhile.”
Debra Sima, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Huge congratulations to Rachel on completing a half marathon just a year after taking up casual running. Despite the scale of the challenge, her determination shone through as she put in the miles to achieve her goal.
“We are extremely grateful that Rachel wanted to raise funds for our lifesaving service. Thank you to everyone who has supported Rachel, she has raised an amazing £1,448.
“Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. Rachel’s fundraiser will play a part in helping to save lives across Wales. Diolch yn fawr.”
There’s still time to show your support to Rachel by donating to her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/page/rachel-squires-1
