Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Information Technology is embarking on a series of challenges after recovering from a serious leg injury, that almost cost him his life.
Kieren King, 38, has worked for the lifesaving service for four-and-a-half years, and this autumn will take on the Peak District 50km challenge and the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Back in 2023, he was heading to see one of his favourite artists perform in his hometown when he fell whilst climbing over a wall.
He said: “I’ve always been very fit and active, regularly hiking, running and playing tennis. So, when I fell, I knew I had done something quite bad.
“I am quite stubborn and decided to carry on to the concert unaware that I had broken my leg in two places.”
After the gig, Kieren finally sought medical treatment and was told he we would need to undergo surgery and have his ankle pinned.
The father of two, was able to return to his role within a few weeks and was able to work remotely. But began experiencing severe and escalating pain.
He said: “It became so intense, that I called my manager to explain that I needed to visit the GP but intended to log back on after my appointment.
“However, my condition deteriorated quickly and before I knew it an ambulance had been called and I was on my way to hospital.”
Kieren says his wife Emma’s ‘quick thinking’, undoubtedly saved his life, she initially dialled 111 and was then advised to call 999. He was suffering from sepsis and necrotising fasciitis and needed emergency lifesaving surgery.
Sepsis is a medical emergency, but it can often be treated if caught early. Patients may have slurred speech or confusion, be experiencing shivering or muscle pain, passing no urine (in a day), severe breathlessness, skin looks mottled or discoloured.
Necrotising fasciitis is a life-threatening subcutaneous soft-tissue infection that progressively extends to the deep soft tissues including muscle fascia and overlying fat, but not into the underlying muscle.
Kieren, who has been married for 10 years, and has two sons, both under the age of 13 says ‘it was a worrying time’ for his loved ones.
“It was an incredibly difficult and uncertain period for all of us. My family were preparing themselves for the worst while I was largely unaware of how serious my condition had become.
“Looking back, it is hard to comprehend just how close we came to a very different outcome.”
Thankfully, Kieren made a full recovery and just three years after this life changing experience, he feels ready to challenge himself.
“It’s unbelievable, really, that I have signed up for the Peak District event, something that I would not have thought possible when I was laying in my hospital bed.
“The recovery has been the hardest, training to try to get back to where I was before the accident. Then signing up for the challenges, it’s a big milestone.”
Long-distance routes, and endurance challenges, were not unusual undertakings for Kieren prior to his accident. But trying to return to that level of fitness has required years of determination, rehabilitation and training.
The 50-kilometre Bronze Peak District Challenge was the last major endurance event Kieren completed before his injury in 2023, making his return to the event especially meaningful.
On Saturday 19 September, he will take to the trails alongside many other hikers and runners.
The challenge must be completed within 12 hours, but unlike his previous attempt, Kieren will be hiking the hills and running most of the route.
“I am apprehensive, as it has been such a long time since I have done anything like this in aid of a Charity. But the time feels right”, he said.
“I really want to give something back! All of us at the Charity work alongside the incredible crew. We see them heading off on missions, to help patients.
“On a personal note, I know what if feels like to face a health crisis. You want the best of the best to come to your aid, and that’s what Wales Air Ambulance is.”
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 £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.
“It’s hard not to be impressed by the lifesaving work carried out by the service”, said Kieren.
“The Charity does such an incredible job ensuring our helicopters and rapid response vehicles continue to be there for the people of Wales, whenever and wherever they are needed.”
He added: “Countless lives are saved every day, each year! With over 3,500 missions carried out annually.
“It’s an honour to be able to give back, raise funds and awareness, to a cause I am lucky to work for.”
Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of Income Generation said: “Kieren has been through a traumatic ordeal, suffering a terrible leg injury and medical emergency.
“It has been a tough few years, the road to recovery is never easy and it is wonderful to see him back doing the things he loves, like hiking and running.
“It is quite moving that he has chosen to mark his comeback, by signing up to fundraising events in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.
“We wish him all the very best! Every pound raised will make a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
