(front l-r) Paramedic Gareth Williams, Gwyn, Christopher and Emily Jerman, paramedic Rhodri Thomas. (back l-r) Rhian, pilot Capt James Benson, Michelle, WAA coordinator Lynne Hughes and Lucy Jerman
Two sisters have raised over £1000 for helicopter charity Wales Air Ambulance in lieu of presents as they celebrated their 40th birthdays.
Sisters-in-law Rhian and Michelle Jerman, from Berriew, marked their fourth decade with a joint party at Castle Caereinion Community Centre near Welshpool, and asked for donations to the air ambulance instead of gifts.
Rhian said: “We chose Wales Air Ambulance as they are very close to our hearts and a very worthy cause.”
In September last year, the charity airlifted Michelle’s nine year-old son Christopher after he developed a serious medical condition that left him struggling to breathe.
Michelle recalls the moment she phoned for an ambulance at her farm home. “I’d never dialled 999 before but Christopher went downhill so quickly, every minute he seemed to deteriorate,” she said. “It was such a relief when the helicopter landed at our home; we got to Shrewsbury hospital in eight minutes.”
Paramedics Gareth Williams and Rhodri Thomas were on duty when the call came in.
“Christopher regularly receives treatment for his condition at the paediatric ward in Shrewsbury, but that day he’d taken a turn for the worse and become very poorly,” said Gareth.
“We were able to fly him to his specialist unit to be with the doctors that know him in just a few minutes. He is a very brave little boy.”
Christopher was reunited with Gareth and Rhodri when the family presented a cheque for £1135 at the charity’s Welshpool airbase.
Michelle added: “We’re so thrilled with the amount raised at our party, simply through donations by friends and family instead of presents.
“We’d like to thank everyone for making it an enjoyable evening and raising money for Wales Air Ambulance.”
Lynne Hughes from Wales Air Ambulance, who was recently commended by Bryn Terfel for her work at the charity, joined the Jerman family at the helipad where the aircrews are on standby 365 days a year.
She said: “Donations in lieu of gifts is such a kind and generous way to support the charity. We’re grateful to Rhian, Michelle, their family and friends for making such a wonderful contribution to keeping the helicopters flying.”
