…Researched and contributed by Gift BADEWO.
Man Raises Funds for Wales Air Ambulance in Memory of Partner
Joseff Edwards, a man from Whitland, is raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance in memory of his partner, Gemma Harries, who died at just 31 after suddenly collapsing and going into cardiac arrest on January 16th this year.
Although she received CPR and was attended to by the Air Ambulance, Gemma tragically died after suffering a Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Joseff is raising money for the Air Ambulance, as they provided assistance when Gemma collapsed.
He has been overwhelmed by the response and has currently raised over £8,800, exceeding his initial target of £4,000.
Meeting and Relationship with Gemma
Joseff and Gemma met in 2020 after lockdown, spending their first date together at Llansteffan beach, while their second date was at a Morrison’s car park in Carmarthen.
Gemma had been away with friends at a hen do in November 2021 and had dislocated her knee, receiving treatment in hospital in Yeovil.
After returning home to Wales, she received further treatment at Glangwili Hospital, but the swelling in her knee did not go down.
Remembering Gemma
Joseff remembers Gemma as a lovely, homely, and down-to-earth person who would help anyone out.
She worked as a beauty therapist in Sukar in Carmarthen, where she was popular with her clients and had many friends.
Gemma lived with her mother, Joyce, and father, Hugh, and was due to move in with Joseff the week she became ill.
She was also a proud auntie to three-year-old Albie and six-month-old Tilly, the children of her brother Jason and sister-in-law, Hannah.
Fundraiser in Gemma’s Memory
Joseff had initially planned to raise £4,000 for the Air Ambulance, but due to the overwhelming response from nearly 400 people, the fundraiser has currently raised over £8,800.
For his 30th birthday, Joseff has decided to raise funds in Gemma’s memory, as he believes it is something she would want him to do.
Gemma had already planned his birthday celebrations before she passed away, which included an open house, family get-together, and a hotel booking.
As a surprise, Gemma had also booked a holiday to Rome for the two of them, which Joseff still plans to do.
He believes that doing things in her memory keeps her memory alive.
Closing of the Fundraiser
Joseff’s fundraiser will close on Sunday, April 16th, two days after his 30th birthday, which will be the first birthday he celebrates without Gemma since she passed away.
He hopes that the funds raised will help the Air Ambulance continue their fantastic work, and he believes that Gemma would be proud of his efforts.
You can donate to Joseff’s fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance here.