GIVING BACK: Hannah Watson during her base visit last year
Hannah Watson, from Manchester, has defied the odds to complete the Dublin Marathon, raising over £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, the charity that helped save her life following a devastating accident in 2017. An experienced horse rider, Hannah’s life changed in an instant during the Llanymynech Horse Trials when her horse, Beau, tripped on landing, resulting in a rotational cross-country fall.
The accident left her with three brain bleeds and four fractured vertebrae. The Wales Air Ambulance quickly transported Hannah to Royal Stoke Hospital, where she spent over a month recovering, including four days in a coma and several weeks in neuro-rehabilitation.
Hannah, now a head dental nurse, faced the challenge of relearning to walk, talk and write. Since her recovery, she has committed herself to fundraising for the charity that supported her.
GOT YOUR BACK: Hannah with her friend Ella at the Dublin Marathon
Previous efforts included a 10k run and the Manchester Half Marathon, raising over £2,400. On October 26, Hannah ran the full 26.2-mile Dublin Marathon in 4 hours and 31 minutes, smashing her fundraising goal of £800 and raising over £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance, including gift aid.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do this,” Hannah said. “During the marathon, I kept thinking about how fortunate I am to be here and to push myself to achieve something I never imagined. It’s taught me to make the most of life and be grateful for what I have.”
Hannah’s friend Ella flew to Dublin to cheer her on, having supported her through the hospital recovery and rehabilitation. Kate Thomas, regional fundraising manager, praised Hannah’s determination: “Hannah has overcome so much since her accident, from relearning basic skills to completing a marathon.
ALL SMILES: Hannah with her medal after finishing the Dublin Marathon
“Her dedication to raising funds for our life-saving charity is inspiring. Every pound raised helps keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.”
The Wales Air Ambulance Charity delivers consultant-led, hospital-standard care directly to patients across Wales and relies on public donations to operate, raising £13m annually. Hannah’s fundraising efforts to date have generated over £4,400, making a tangible difference to the charity that helped save her life.
Supporters can still donate to her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/hannah-watson-5.
Location: Manchester
