A dedicated nurse practitioner from North Wales has turned her lifelong passion for knitting into a remarkable fundraising campaign for the Wales Air Ambulance, creating 144 handmade items in just twelve months.
Knitting with Purpose for a Vital Service
Nan Marsh, a 64-year-old from Llanwnda who has worked for the NHS since 1981, describes knitting as her "obsession" and has channelled this enthusiasm into supporting the emergency medical service that she knows saves lives daily. "If I see a wool bargain, I buy it!" she explains. "I have a huge collection; I love the colours and texture. I have balls of wool which are vintage."
Her dedication extends to collecting knitting patterns, with hundreds in her possession—some dating back to the 1960s and 70s. This extensive knowledge allows her to create everything from contemporary designs to classic pieces that never go out of style.
Personal Connection to the Charity's Work
Nan's commitment to the Wales Air Ambulance stems from both professional and personal experiences. Having spent many years in critical care nursing, she has witnessed firsthand the advanced medical interventions the service provides at emergency scenes. Additionally, her husband Neil required their assistance in 2008 after a cycling accident at Coed y Brenin.
"Through my job I have a very good understanding of the level of care provided by Wales Air Ambulance," Nan states. "I have seen the result of their work first hand." This profound appreciation motivated her and her husband to become charity volunteers in 2022, seeking meaningful ways to contribute to their fundraising efforts.
Exceeding Ambitious Targets
In January 2025, Nan set herself an ambitious challenge: to create one hundred knitted items within twelve months. Not only did she surpass this goal by producing 144 pieces, but she also helped raise over £1,500 for the charity through her efforts.
She operates through a GoFundMe page where supporters can donate directly to Wales Air Ambulance in exchange for her handcrafted garments. "I ask for a minimum donation of £10 for children's wear and £20 for an adult garment," Nan explains. "But there have been people who have paid £100 for the garment on top of the cost of the wool, which goes into the pot and helps save lives."
Her creations range from practical bobble hats and cosy jumpers to intricate cardigans and special requests like hats with ponytail holes. "It's wonderful really that every stitch really makes such an incredible difference," she reflects. "It's knitting with a purpose."
The Life-Saving Service Behind the Fundraising
The Wales Air Ambulance operates as a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard treatments directly to patients across Wales. If necessary, crews can transfer patients to the most appropriate hospital for their specific needs. This vital service relies entirely on public donations to meet its annual £11.2 million operating costs.
Through a unique partnership between the third sector and public health services, the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who deliver advanced medical interventions at incident scenes. These include administering anaesthesia, conducting blood transfusions, and performing minor operations when required.
As a pan-Wales service, crews travel throughout the country regardless of their base location, ensuring emergency critical care reaches those in need wherever they are.
Continuing the Momentum into 2026
With the new year underway, Nan shows no signs of slowing down. "We are just a few weeks into 2026, and I am already on my sixth item," she reports. "I have decided to keep knitting throughout this year and see if I can top the amount I have raised so far."
Her GoFundMe page remains active as she works toward her new goal of raising over £2,000 in 2026. Current projects include a chunky throw for a colleague's son and girlfriend, while popular requests continue for bobble hats, fluffy jumpers, and garments made from self-stripe wools.
Nan emphasises the sustainability of knitwear, noting that she still wears jumpers she made over forty years ago. "Knitwear never dates!" she declares. "It is the most sustainable thing you can have in your wardrobe."
Recognition from Charity Representatives
Elaine Orr, regional fundraising manager for North West Wales, expresses admiration for Nan's extraordinary efforts. "I do not think there is anyone else in our region who knits as much as Nan!" she remarks. "We are just delighted that every time she picks up her needles, she is raising funds for our life-saving service."
Orr, who owns one of Nan's bobble hats and a hooded jumper, adds: "144 items in twelve months! That is quite an unbelievable amount, with Nan planning to top that figure in 2026. We wish her every success with her knitting challenge and hope people will keep her busy over the next few months, as every stitch saves lives."
For those interested in commissioning knitted items while supporting the Wales Air Ambulance, Nan can be contacted through her Facebook page, where she continues to transform her obsession into life-saving contributions for her community.
