Newport Mother Runs Half Marathon to Thank Air Ambulance for Saving Son
Amber Morrison, a 33-year-old resident of Newport, is set to participate in the Newport Half Marathon on April 19. Her motivation stems from a deeply personal experience: thanking the medics who saved her six-year-old son, Luan, during a critical medical emergency nearly two years ago.
A Life-Saving Response
Nearly two years ago, Luan experienced a severe 20-minute seizure at home, despite having no prior medical conditions. The Wales Air Ambulance was swiftly dispatched, landing in a local park to provide immediate, hospital-standard care. Amber recalls the moment with gratitude, stating, "The moment the Wales Air Ambulance arrived, the doctor on board took amazing care of our son and made decisions about the hospital he needed to get the correct care." She added, "Not being able to hear your once-healthy boy say the word 'mum' was enough to shatter my heart into a thousand pieces."
Thanks to the rapid response, Luan is now thriving and seizure-free. Amber emphasizes that the air ambulance's intervention "truly made such a difference to all our lives."
Fundraising for a Vital Cause
Amber has turned her gratitude into action by fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance, an all-Wales charity that relies entirely on public donations to cover its £13 million annual costs. The charity provides critical treatments on scene, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and minor operations. Amber has already exceeded her initial £250 target, raising £285 so far.
She shared her journey into running, explaining, "I've never been a runner! I started running back in June last year to help with my mental health." After the traumatic incident with her son and the loss of her mother just two months later, Amber felt she had hit rock bottom. "Running for the Wales Air Ambulance keeps me motivated, and I know it would make my mum very proud," she said.
Community Support and Impact
Amanda Rosenberg, Wales Air Ambulance's regional fundraising manager, expressed appreciation for Amber's efforts. "We are so grateful to Amber for choosing to support our lifesaving service. Amber knows firsthand how important the Wales Air Ambulance is to the people of Wales. Without fundraisers like her, we wouldn't be able to provide this critical care across the country," she stated.
This story highlights the profound impact of community support and the essential role of emergency medical services in saving lives. Amber's dedication not only honors her son's recovery but also contributes to a cause that benefits countless others in Wales.
