Gracie’s Gift of Life
Christmas is a magical time, but it means so much more to the Kinnear family. Two years ago, little Gracie needed lifesaving treatment from the Wales Air Ambulance. Without it, she wouldn’t be here to celebrate this Christmas. Will you help to give the gift of life to more families this Christmas by donating today?
This is Gracie’s story, told by her mum, Emma…
You don’t know me but without your generous support, Gracie, my daughter, wouldn’t be here this Christmas.
Two years ago, Gracie was enjoying playing on her bike, but a lovely day soon turned into a nightmare. A large van was heading towards us. Time stood still as I desperately ran towards my little girl.
I jumped in front of the van, and both Gracie and I were dragged along the road, but Gracie was caught under a wheel of the vehicle.
It’s an image I will never forget
My beautiful girl, my four-year-old, was stuck making no noise at all under this massive vehicle. The neighbours heard my screams as I lay in the middle of the road cradling Gracie; almost sure she wasn’t going to survive.
We knew Gracie needed help quickly, so we rushed to our local hospital; we had no idea the Wales Air Ambulance medics were meeting us there.
Dr Jon, Critical Care Practitioner Conor and Dr Jamie assessed Gracie, and it was at this point that we knew how critically unwell our little girl was.
She was fighting for her life
It was all such a blur, there were people all around me, but I was numb. The team put her into an induced coma, and gave her a blood transfusion, before transporting our angel to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Whilst on route, Gracie deteriorated, but thankfully Jon was able to administer another blood transfusion – without it, she wouldn’t be with us today.
They’re our heroes
Gracie spent five days in a coma, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But then, our beautiful little girl opened her eyes, and she continues to amaze us every day.
Before the accident, we didn’t know much about Wales Air Ambulance and hadn’t realised that they were a charity, but they’ve left a mark on our hearts. Thank you will never be enough for saving our little girl.
Gracie’s Gift of Life
The Wales Air Ambulance has given us the greatest gift of all, they’ve given our Gracie a future. The memories we make this Christmas and moving forward would never have been possible without them.
Most children will ask for toys this Christmas, but the only gift Gracie and our family want this year is for the Wales Air Ambulance to continue to save lives across Wales.
Your support today will help to make Gracie’s Christmas wish come true, so if you can, please donate to this lifesaving charity. You never know when you or your loved ones might need them. Thank you.
Merry Christmas
The Kinnear Family
Critical Care Consultant, Dr Jon Birks, gave Gracie’s family the greatest gift they’ll ever receive
It was clear when we first saw Gracie that she had sustained major injuries. As specialists in major trauma, we took over her care and gave her a general anaesthetic and placed her onto a ventilator to protect her brain. We also made a small incision between her ribs to release the air from a collapsed lung and administered blood products.
Gracie was an incredibly poorly little girl, having my own family, seeing their world fall apart was heartbreaking. To have met Gracie again recently, full of life, is incredibly humbling.
We attend over 3,500 missions every year and can only deliver this service with your support.
Help us to give the gift of life to more patients this Christmas by donating today. Thank you.
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year.
Jon Birks,
Critical Care Consultant
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