Denbighshire woman raises thousands for Air Ambulance

Leader Live

4 days ago

Joanna Lightfoot, 48, from Llanarmon-yn-Iâl, completed the West Highland Way in memory of her husband Jim, who died 14 years ago from a heart attack while at work.
She raised £2,445 for the charity that attended the scene on the day Jim died.
Mrs Lightfoot said: "Sadly, they could not save Jim, but I know the Wales Air Ambulance did everything they possibly could.
"For this reason, I decided to walk in memory of Jim and use this opportunity to fundraise for this wonderful charity."
She took on the 96-mile trek through the Scottish Highlands alongside friends from her gym, covering around 20 miles each day.
The walk began on the anniversary of her husband's death.
Mrs Lightfoot said: "Emotions on the first day were mixed.
"I was nervous and anxious as to whether I would manage it or not.
"Day one was also the 14-year anniversary of Jim's death, so he was very much at the forefront of my mind, spurring me on with every step."
She described the challenge as physically and emotionally demanding, particularly on day two when the group faced more than 20 miles of difficult terrain.
Mrs Lightfoot said: "We finally made it to our accommodation at 10.45pm and had to be up and out again at 7am the next morning.
"When I completed the walk on day five, I cried many happy tears.
"I was overwhelmed with emotion."
Joanna Lightfoot (Image: Supplied)
Her husband Jim ran his own garage repairing mainly HGVs, and 'adored' their daughter Jodie, who was just five years old when he died.
Wales Air Ambulance requires £11.2 million each year to operate its helicopters and rapid response vehicles across the country.
The service is consultant-led and delivers advanced critical care at the scene, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and minor surgical procedures.
Debra Sima, regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: "It is always heartwarming to hear of families that fundraise for the Wales Air Ambulance after losing a loved one.
"Sadly, Jim unfortunately could not be saved following his heart attack.
"Joanna set herself the huge challenge of walking the Scottish West Highland Way over five days.
"She did that with the support of her friends and raised an amazing amount for the Wales Air Ambulance.
"We're extremely grateful for your support and it was a lovely way to remember Jim 14 years on."
Mrs Lightfoot, who works in accounts for a construction company, said she was 'delighted' to raise funds for the charity and thanked everyone who donated in her husband's memory.