A grateful farmer’s wife whose life was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance has pledged to leave a gift in her will as a final thank you for the life she’s had – a life that may have been cut short without the help of the service.
Sue Davies, from Brecon, has always been a passionate supporter of the Charity.
When Sue and her husband Gareth celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in May 2009, the couple held a party and requested donations for the Wales Air Ambulance in lieu of gifts. They raised over £3,000 for the lifesaving Charity.
Little did Sue and her family know that just five months later, the air ambulance medics would save her life. Sue had an accident on a quad bike at the family farm, which catapulted her into the air and left her with a broken neck.
She spent two months in hospital, followed by a further month in a specialist spinal unit.
Following five operations and reconstructive surgery on her face, Sue went on to make a remarkable recovery.
Incredibly, she has taken part in the Charity’s Cycle 100km event since its inauguration, riding from Cardiff to its headquarters in Dafen. She has also taken part in numerous fundraisers since 2009, including Walk Wales, the Coffee and Cake event, and holding many raffles. She has raised thousands for the Wales Air Ambulance.
As well as planning on leaving a gift in her will for the Charity, Sue will also request that any donations be given to the Wales Air Ambulance in lieu of flowers at her funeral.
Reflecting on why she wanted to support the Charity beyond her lifetime, Sue said: “It will be my final way to say thank you for the life I’ve had – a life that would have been cut short without them. It will also be my last big thank you to the Wales Air Ambulance. Leaving money in my will and asking for donations at my funeral is the last thing I can do.
“I wouldn’t be here without the Wales Air Ambulance, and I will be forever grateful.
“The service is absolutely vital to the people of Wales. Perhaps because we live in a rural area, it hits home more with me. It’s so important because of our terrain and our population, and how people are all spread out. Look at the lives that would be lost without the Wales Air Ambulance.
“I don’t know how I would’ve survived without them. It was a no-brainer to leave a gift in my will.
“I can’t thank the Wales Air Ambulance enough; they saved my life.”
Jane Griffiths, Philanthropy and Partnerships Fundraiser at the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Sue is a valued lifetime supporter and to be remembered in her Will is a true honour. Her kind gift will help ensure the lifesaving service continues for future generations.”
If you’re considering leaving a gift in your Will, or have already chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance in this special way, Jane, our Legacy Fundraiser, would be delighted to hear from you. Whether you have a question, would like to discuss your plans, or simply let us know your intentions, please get in touch. Call 0300 0152 999 or email legacy@walesairambulance.com.
