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Ioan Watts, who was in a coma for three weeks after suffering a head injury two years ago, is hoping to raise more money this Christmas for Wales Air Ambulance.

In October 2022, the 11-year-old suffered a brain injury following an 8ft (2.4m) fall from his house in Caerphilly.

When Wales Air Ambulance medic Jez James arrived, Ioan was bleeding from the nose and had serious swelling to his head.

Ioan was then flown to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he underwent emergency brain surgery and spent three weeks in a coma.

Mum Lydia said: “Ioan began his slow recovery, learning to walk, talk and do almost everything he could do before his accident. He worked so hard and after three months in hospital, he came home to continue his recovery.”

Almost two years on and Ioan decided he’d like to thank the people who saved his life by walking-up Pen y Fan to raise money.

After already raising thousands through charity runs and hikes with brother Rhodri, Ioan climbed the tallest mountain in south Wales alongside Jez in a “memorable experience”.

This Christmas however, Ioan is calling on the public to donate what they can at a “very special” time for him and his family.

He said: “I don’t remember my accident, but my family were told to prepare for the worst. I spent three months in hospital and underwent more surgery to put the part of my skull back into place.

“I didn’t like the hospital food very much, only the jelly, but I was lucky that I was able to go home for one day during my recovery, it was Christmas Day.”

With the support of the Watts family, the lifesaving charity has launched its Christmas fundraising
appeal, ‘Ioan’s Merry Mission’. Ioan said: “Since my accident, I’ve raised money for my heroes, by climbing Pen y Fan with Jez and running a 2k, because without them, I wouldn’t be here.

“Most children will ask for toys this Christmas but it’s my ‘merry mission’ to make sure that more lives can be saved this Christmas. Please help me to achieve my mission and donate to this lifesaving charity. You never know when you or your family might need them.”

To donate to Ioan’s Merry Mission Christmas appeal, and help save more lives across Wales, visit Wales Air Ambulance’s website.