An incredible fundraising achievement for the South Western Ambulance Charity
This week, we were delighted to welcome Carys Walsh and her family to Taunton Ambulance Station, where she presented a cheque for an amazing £22,714.03 to the South Western Ambulance Charity.
The cheque presentation took place on Wednesday 17 June - just one day after Carys completed her A Level exams - marking the culmination of months of dedication, training and fundraising following her successful London Marathon challenge in April.
Carys took on the iconic marathon in memory of her father, Rod, who sadly died following a road traffic collision in 2018. Her mum, Ceri, sustained life-threatening injuries in the same incident. Inspired by the compassion, professionalism and care shown by ambulance crews on one of the most difficult days of her family's life, Carys chose to support the South Western Ambulance Charity and give something back to the service that meant so much to them.
Carys, Ceri and their family were welcomed by Zoe Larter, Head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, alongside Will Lee, Deputy Director of Operations - EOCs, who was part of the ambulance team that responded to the collision involving Rod and Ceri eight years ago.
Zoe said: "Carys' achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. To complete the London Marathon while studying for her A Levels is impressive in itself, but to do so in memory of her dad and raise such an incredible sum for our charity makes it even more special. It was a privilege to meet Carys and her family and hear more about the inspiration behind her fundraising journey. We have already spoken with Carys about the exciting ways in which this fundraising will help us continue to support the health & wellbeing of our people. On behalf of everyone at the South Western Ambulance Charity and #TeamSWASFT, thank you, Carys, for your incredible commitment, determination and generosity."
We are incredibly grateful to Carys, her family, friends and everyone who supported her fundraising journey and helped raise this remarkable total.
Thank you, Carys. Your determination, resilience and generosity are truly inspiring.