A Pembrokeshire aviation boss whose life was saved by UK air ambulance charity the Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) has raised thousands of pounds for charity. Steve Landrey, 51, has embarked on a 186-mile walk to raise funds for WAA and the British Heart Foundation.

Landrey, who worked as European MD for air ambulance operator Babcock, collapsed while out cycling with friends. He suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. Thankfully the WAA team was able to respond swiftly to the scene and gave him the lifesaving care he needed. Babcock holds the contract to run the Wales Air Ambulance's aviation operation.

Landrey says: “It was incredible to be on the receiving end of the work I was previously involved in providing. Like every other patient, I was in a frightening and vulnerable situation and without the fast response and quality care offered by the WAA critical care team and others on the scene I may not be here today. Undertaking this fundraising walk is my way of showing my thanks for the care I received. When I managed Babcock's European air ambulance operations I was always proud of the people who worked with me but this has just reinforced my faith in their dedication and expertise.”

After the air ambulance arrived, its critical care medics escorted Landrey via a road ambulance to hospital in Swansea. After having an emergency stent procedure, Steve was discharged from hospital three days later and the road to recovery started. Just nine months later he started his epic challenge, with his cardiac rehabilitation instructor David Braithwaite, and has already clocked off more than half of the 186 miles.

He continues: “The pandemic has certainly made us all aware of the incredible job our medical professionals provide for us all. When you come into emergency contact with it as I did, it is certainly a humbling experience. All funds will go to the British Heart Foundation to support the incredible work it does to support those suffering from cardiac conditions and the critical research work it undertakes and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity for the invaluable emergency medical response it provides across Wales. I'm very pleased with the amount raised so far. It would be fantastic if we could raise more and perhaps double the amount by the end of the walk.”

Babcock director Hayley Belmore comments: “We know what we do is important, and we are extremely proud to be part of the incredible service the Wales Air Ambulance Charity provides, but when you respond to someone you know, it really amplifies it. Everyone at Babcock is so pleased Steve has made such a good recovery and we wish him the best for his epic fundraiser.”