A brave schoolgirl from Hay-on-Wye hiked Pen y Fan on Father’s Day in memory of her dad, who sadly passed away this year.
Edee Morris, 12, raised an incredible £640 for the Wales Air Ambulance following the death of her father Karl in January.
Karl, know as Benny, tragically passed away after suffering a catastrophic brain bleed at their home.
Despite the efforts of the medics on board Wales Air Ambulance Benny sadly passed away three days later at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Benny was remembered as a caring, loving man who would do anything for anyone. Following his passing, he continued to help others through organ donation – saving the lives of three people who had spent years on transplant waiting lists.
In tribute of her beloved father Edee wanted to raise funds for the all-Wales Charity and set herself the challenge of hiking Pen y Fan.
She successfully completed the tallest peak in South Wales, which is situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The mountain towers at 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea level, making it the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.
Edee was supported on the day by her family. Her efforts saw her smashing her fundraising target of £600.
Edee’s sister, Georgie O’Hagan said: “It was a fantastic day, none of us trained so it was a bit ruthless at times. But we were doing it in memory of Edee’s dad and for the Wales Air Ambulance, which is a vital service, so it made it worthwhile.
“We’re very proud of Edee, it was an emotional day and emotions were high, especially with it being on Father’s Day. Benny’s death is still very raw, but the fundraiser helped us all come together and we’re very proud.”
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 critical care.
Hannah Bartlett, Individual Giving Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “Congratulations to Edee for hiking Pen y Fan in memory of her father, Benny. What a lovely way to honour his memory. At just 13-years-old Edee has shown so much strength to want to raise funds for our Charity just months after losing her father. Edee chose Father’s Day to take part in her challenge, which was lovely to hear.
“Thank you to Edee for raising an incredible amount of money for the Wales Air Ambulance. Your support will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us the most. We appreciate your support and we’re sure your dad would be very proud of you.
“Thank you to everyone who supported Edee on the day and donated to her fundraiser.”
There is still time to show your support to Edee by donating to her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/georgie-ohagan-1
