A Llandovery man has raised more than £3,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after the charity helped save the life of his father-in-law, who suffered catastrophic injuries in a fall from a shed roof.

Richard Morgan, a 53-year-old software engineer, said the air ambulance crew’s critical care intervention was “instrumental” in saving the life of 78-year-old Arwyn Williams, who fell headfirst onto concrete at the family farm in 2020.

Mr Williams, a grandfather of three, broke three vertebrae and was left in a coma for a month after the fall, which happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Arwyn fell headfirst onto concrete and split his head open. But the injury which caused the most concern, was to his neck. He broke three vertebrae,” said Richard.

“It was obvious he needed immediate help, and thankfully the air ambulance arrived.

“I watched them looking after Arwyn, they showed incredible compassion, and just went straight into critical care mode, sorting him out.”

Mr Williams was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he underwent surgery and spent five weeks in hospital before being transferred to Carmarthen to continue his recovery. He returned home in March 2021 and spent several months recovering from his injuries.

Now, Mr Morgan has raised £3,065 for the service through a series of fundraising activities at Llandovery Golf Club, where he serves as captain.

“It is remarkable that he survived,” said Mr Morgan.

“We are just grateful that he is still with us and is doing OK. He can walk, but his neck is stiff because of the metal plates.”

Mr Morgan says the care given to his father-in-law at the scene “inspired” him to fundraise for the lifesaving service.

He said: “Once you see the clinicians in action, it is hard not to be in awe.”

The club raised funds by auctioning off four-ball golf vouchers donated by golf courses, and running a Six Nations sweepstake, organised by club chairman Celfyn Davies. More than 100 people took part.

Last month, Mr Morgan and Mr Davies presented the cheque at Wales Air Ambulance’s base in Dafen, where they were given a tour of the facilities. Although the helicopter was out on a mission, they learned more about the charity’s fleet of rapid response vehicles.

Mr Morgan said: “It’s reassuring to know that the money we raised will help save lives. One mission alone costs around £3,000.

“It’s wonderful to be able to feedback to all those who donated that they have covered the cost of a mission.”

Mr Morgan’s daughter, Ela, is continuing the family’s support by running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October in aid of the service.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager said: “It’s always a privilege to connect with the families of those whose lives our service has helped, and we are so glad to hear that Arwyn has made a good recovery after his huge ordeal.

“Without fundraisers like Richard, Celfyn and Ela, we really couldn’t continue to do what we do.”