Seven-year-old Gracie, from West Wales, has been presented with a certificate of merit by the Child of Wales Awards 2026, recognising her outstanding fundraising efforts for Wales Air Ambulance Charity. The charity nominated Gracie after she survived life-threatening injuries from a road traffic collision.
Gracie became the face of the charity's Christmas campaign in December last year, helping to raise more than £65,000 – enough to fund eighteen combined air and road missions. Her mother, Emma, described the recognition as 'deeply moving' and said the family were 'surprised' to receive 'an unexpected invitation' to attend the Dafen airbase recently.
A Special Visit to Dafen Airbase
Emma explained: “I received a phone call asking if we would like to visit during the school holidays. It always feels like home, so of course I said ‘yes’.”
“We had a wonderful welcome from everyone, and it was such a special moment when Gracie received her certificate. Her face lit up.”
“We feel truly blessed; this really means the world to us. If you had told me several years ago that this is what the future would look like, I would never have believed you.”
Gracie's Life-Saving Treatment
Several years ago, Gracie was rushed to Glangwili Hospital after being involved in a serious road traffic incident. There, she was met by Wales Air Ambulance medics who had been tasked in a rapid response vehicle.
Emma said: “If it wasn’t for them, my daughter most likely would not be here today.”
Thanks to the unique third sector and public-sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), Gracie received advanced care as soon as the medics arrived at her side. Following their assessment, it was discovered that Gracie had a collapsed lung. The Wales Air Ambulance medics sedated her and inserted a breathing tube. They made a small incision between her ribs and inserted a tube to release the pressure.
It soon became apparent that she needed a blood transfusion due to internal bleeding. This was administered by the Wales Air Ambulance medics. During the journey to the University Hospital of Wales Neurosurgical and Paediatric Trauma Centre, Gracie needed another blood transfusion.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Upon arrival at the hospital, paediatric and major trauma teams took over Gracie’s care. She was placed into a coma, where it was touch-and-go for five days. She had a broken scapula, broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and lacerations to her liver. She also had a shattered right kidney.
Gracie underwent surgery to reattach her ear and scalp to her head. She required rehabilitation for two years and had to wear a special suit to realign her body.
Emma said: “The journey has been long and hard; I had to change jobs to make sure that she got to all her appointments.”
“She returned to school, which was a big achievement. She slowly learnt to walk again and feed herself.”
“Her brother Chester has been incredible every step of the way. He encourages her so much and is her biggest champion.”
Recognition and Family Treat
In honour of Gracie’s special achievements, one of the Child of Wales Awards sponsors, Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, has invited her family to their resort for the day. Emma said: “Gracie loves to swim and be in the water! Hydrotherapy was a big part of her rehabilitation. As soon as she could take her arm floats off, she was off.”
“We never take for granted the simple things. There was a time when swimming seemed impossible. We were initially told she might be paralysed.”
“This will be the first time our family has visited Bluestone National Park Resort as a family, and we would like to extend our thanks to its team for this lovely treat.”
Steven Stokes, Wales Air Ambulance’s director of strategic communication and engagement, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Gracie to Wales Air Ambulance and to present her with a certificate of merit on behalf of the Child of Wales Awards.”
“Gracie is an incredible little girl, and her story has touched so many people.”
“Her positive impact on people across Wales, at such a young age, is truly remarkable.”
“It was also wonderful to meet her brother Chester, who has not only supported Gracie’s fundraising, but has been by her side throughout her remarkable recovery.”
“It was clear to see how proud her mum and dad are of them both - and that pride is shared by all of us at the Charity.”
“I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors of the Child of Wales Awards for the important work they do to recognise and celebrate our nation’s incredible young people - young people like Gracie, who inspire everyone around them.”
