Stephen Day, a 37-year-old head of refrigeration at Refmech, has raised more than £5,500 for Wales Air Ambulance by completing a 968-mile cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End. The challenge was inspired by the service saving his father's life after a severe animal attack.
Father's life-threatening encounter
Stephen's father, Kieran, a former soldier and police officer, was trampled by a stampeding cow while walking his dogs along the Cambrian Coastal Path. He suffered multiple bone fractures, punctured lungs, a lacerated liver, and severe open wounds.
Air ambulance paramedics performed emergency surgical procedures and administered blood products at the scene before flying him to hospital for specialist treatment. Kieran spent five days in a coma and underwent major surgery before making a remarkable recovery that allowed him to cycle again.
Inspired by gratitude
Stephen said: “Wales Air Ambulance means a lot to my family. Without it my dad would not be here today.” He added: “The crew were there for him when he needed them, and they help thousands of people each year. I wanted to do something to show my appreciation.”
Describing the incident, Stephen explained: “Dad was just doing something that my mum, sister, brother and I had done countless times, over the years. We often walk along the Cambrian Coastal Path, through a local field, which has cows or sheep grazing in it, and had never experienced a problem.”
He added: “But this day, my father encountered a cow, which stampeded, it knocked him to the ground and trampled him. Mum called to me, and all I knew was basic first aid, which is useless in a situation like that. Dad had already called 999 and told them what had happened.”
A family's ordeal and recovery
Stephen recalled: “He is an incredibly strong man, he was formerly a firearms officer for Dyfed Powys Police, as well as serving with the armed forces for 20 years. He is always the one we go to when we need help, so it was tough to see him in that way, struggling to breathe.”
He continued: “It was such a relief when the crew arrived. They were unbelievable, just went straight to work, sorting dad out, and saving his life. We just stood there watching them, it was surreal to watch them putting my father back together. It’s something I will never forget.”
Stephen also expressed gratitude to the medical teams at the Royal Stoke Hospital, noting: “It’s remarkable, how my father was able to come back from such terrible injuries, in such a relatively short space of time. We are grateful to Wales Air Ambulance and the medical teams at the Royal Stoke Hospital for the roles they all played.”
The 10-day challenge
Stephen took on the ride over 10 days, facing a heatwave. He said: “My dad inspires me every day and his fundraising journey, spurred me on to do the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge.”
He added: “I had some good advice from a friend who had previously done the route. He told me not to think about how many days are ahead - to take each one as it comes. Face any issues as they arise and move on.”
Initially, Stephen planned to ride alone, but his parents joined him. He explained: “Dad initially planned to do part of the route with me, but his bike let him down, and he ended up looking after the route planning. Mum kept us all motivated and fed. It worked out perfectly.”
He concluded: “My wife Heather had organised a large group of family and friends to meet me on the finish line. My son and daughter were there waving the chequered flag; it was amazing to see them all after 10 days apart.”
Elaine Orr, regional fundraising manager, said: “Stephen clocked up an incredible 968 miles, in aid of our lifesaving service, during the heatwave. We are very grateful to him and his parents Kieran and Kate for going on the road with him and supporting his challenge in aid of our charity.”
She added: “It’s wonderful that Kieran, made such a good recovery after sustaining terrible injuries and touching that he wishes to give back to us too. Our supporters play such an important role, ensuring we continue to be there for the people of Wales, whenever and wherever they need us. Every pound raise makes a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
To support the ongoing fundraising campaign, visit the JustGiving page for Stephen Day.
