On 21 September, 17-year-old Fintan Gould from Ipswich ran the Ipswich Half-Marathon in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. When Fintan suffered a brain haemorrhage in March 2023, the charity transferred him by air from Ipswich Hospital to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for specialist treatment. We spoke to Fintan before and after his challenge to hear his inspirational story.
The moment everything changed
I was at home when I felt a bit unwell. I thought it was a bug and went upstairs. Then I was sick, and I shouted out for help. A minute or two later, I collapsed on bathroom floor. My family called an ambulance called and they got me to Ipswich Hospital quickly. I had a brain haemorrhage and needed specialist help, but the A14 was closed, so East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked later that evening to transfer me by helicopter to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Being in hospital was difficult at first. I can’t remember much other than having to lay in bed. The haemorrhage happened a few days before my birthday, so I remember thinking that it was a rubbish birthday that year!
Initially, I couldn’t walk very well and had to hold onto somebody. I had physio so I could get home, and surgery followed in 2024.
At home, I had to rest a lot – but it was good to be home. Another month passed and I was able to go back to school but on a phased return to build me up ready for full-time in September. Everyone asked what had happened. It was difficult to explain it over and over again, but it was nice to see my friends. I did well in my GCSEs last year – especially in History and English. I’m now working towards my A-Levels and hope to study English Language and Linguistics at University.
Turning a negative into a positive
Getting fit again was important to me. When I was taken ill, I couldn’t exercise for a few months. By exercising again, I could look after my health and be in control – so I started running and really enjoyed it.
I honestly believe that East Anglian Air Ambulance transferring me to Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life, so running the Ipswich Half Marathon in aid of the charity was something I could do in return. It was also a mental thing; if I could run the event, I could prove I’ve progressed, alongside the achievement of raising money to help others.
It will be my first ever race. I’ve been training, while trying to revise for my mock exams! However, I did spend some time in Ireland over the summer and trained three to four times a week in a hilly environment, so hopefully I will find the race in Suffolk easier!
I’m staying motivated by thinking back to the condition I was in; while running I remember the time when I couldn’t walk. I know I can do this!
I’m aiming to complete the race in under two hours – then I’m looking forward to relaxing for the rest of the day and seeing how much money I’ve raised in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. I was hoping to raise £600, but I’ve already raised over £1,300. I think I’ll feel relieved when I cross the finish line – but proud of myself.
Race day
The race went really well; I finished it in 1:48:54 which is a lot faster than I was expecting! I was very happy with the time and the overall race it felt like a massive achievement, and I’ve raised £4,100.
Final thoughts
It’s been a difficult two a half years, but I’ve turned it into something positive and that’s a big personal achievement. I could have gone down a different path, but I haven’t. It feels good to know that that the money I raise will help save the lives of other people – just like fundraisers for East Anglian Air Ambulance before saved mine.
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