Angharad runs 150 miles for Charity that Saved her Life

A mum-of-one whose life was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance is showing her appreciation by completing 150 miles for the charity.

Angharad Jenkins, 28, who is originally from Ammanford, hopes to raise £500 by running or walking the miles throughout September – after the charity saved her life 7 years ago.

In September 2013, Angharad was involved in an accident when the car she was travelling in struck a lorry at approximately 50mph, after the lorry driver decided to turn across the road without prior warning. The accident happened on the road leading from Tycroes, Ammanford to Pontabraham roundabout.

Despite having broken bones, Angharad, who now lives in Loughor, Swansea, managed to vacate the car and laid on a grass verge awaiting assistance alongside her friend.

Speaking about the accident, Angharad, said: “The Wales Air Ambulance Charity more than likely saved my life following a pretty serious road traffic collision. As my friend lay next to me injured and screaming in despair, my body started to shut down as I went in to shock at the roadside.

“Wales Air Ambulance were quick to the scene providing me with the critical medical care I needed and transported me rapidly to Morrison Hospital where the amazing trauma team was on standby. The accident left me with lifelong injuries which have scared me both mentally and physically.”

Angharad describes the accident as leaving her with ‘a determination like no other’. Her injuries included a broken right ankle, broken left hand, two fractured ribs, torn ligaments in her left foot and right knee, deep lacerations and scaring on both elbows and right leg, abdominal bleeding and slight Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Reflecting on her determination and recovery from her surgery, she added: “I was hospitalised for 12 days and recovery included two months in a wheelchair due to the extent of all my injuries combined. I was very lucky.

“All the broken bones have healed, and I no longer suffer from unmanageable pain. Mentally and physically, seven years on I consider myself stronger than ever following years of support from loved ones, pain management specialists, counselling services, medication, physiotherapy, podiatry and consultant-based interventions.

“So what better time to give back than now? I’ve always wanted to fundraise for the charity.”

Angharad only started running last year. She added: “I found it a great way of coping with the pain in my feet as a result of the injuries obtained from the car accident. I am not a fast or distance runner, but it helps me with my daily struggles both physically and mentally.”

The Carmarthenshire substance misuse support worker is looking forward to pushing herself and seeing what results she can achieve. She will be joined on some of the walks/runs by her partner Joe, three-year-old daughter Cari and their dog Bailey. Some of Angharad’s colleagues have, also, kindly offered to accompany her on some of the walks, whilst social distancing.

This is the first time Angharad has fundraised and thought it would be a great way to raise some money for ‘the charity closest to her heart’.

You can sponsor Angharad, who will complete an average 5 miles a day, via her Just Giving page Run/ Walk 150 miles throughout September.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/angharad-Jenkins