A Powys schoolgirl will lace up her trainers to walk from Llangattock to Talybont on Usk for the charity that came to her aid.
Seven-year-old Nanci Gibbs-Harley will take on the canal walk as a thank you to the Wales Air Ambulance after the medics were called out to her home following a serious fall.
Nanci, from Llangattock, was just five years old when she had a nasty fall from a high-sleeper bed.
The Wales Air Ambulance critical care team were despatched to her home after it was suspected that Nanci might have a bleed on her brain. After being treated at home Nanci was flown to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff.
After undergoing scans and tests in hospital, thankfully Nanci did not have a bleed on her brain but suffered from a badly broken arm. Nanci was discharged from hospital several hours later.
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 critical care.
Following the accident, which resulted in Nanci having a month off school, she is now back to full health.
Her grateful mum, Nicola said: “It was Nanci’s idea to raise the funds for the charity. We asked what she wanted to do and she mentioned a walk and she’s so excited to be able to give something back. The Wales Air Ambulance were amazing and rely solely on donations.
“This is solely her decision to do this sponsored walk and at just seven years old, she’s amazing to even think of it. We never thought we would have to use these services and you never know when you or a loved one might need to. Let’s all show Nanci how brave and amazing she is.”
Nanci, who is a pupil at Llangattock Church School will take on the 8.3 mile walk along the canal at midday on 16 May. She will start at Llangattock by the lime kilns and will finish in Talybont on Usk.
The family is inviting everyone to come and ‘show their support to the brave schoolgirl and cheer her on’.
Nanci has already raised an incredible £419 of her £1,000 fundraising target.
Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Good luck to Nanci with her sponsored walk. It is wonderful to hear that after Nanci’s serious fall she wanted to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance. At just such a young age Nanci will walk over 8 miles for our charity, which is incredible. We hope everyone supports Nanci on the day and helps her meet her £1,000 fundraising target.
“Nanci, your fundraiser will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. By doing this sponsored walk you are playing a part in helping save lives across Wales. Thank you so much.”
You can show your support to Nanci by donating to her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/page/nicola-harley-1
Nanci’s fundraiser has also had the support of local businesses. Local shops have put out posters and collections pots. Abergavenny Garden Centre also held a fundraising auction for the cause.
