Wellington School Pupil Wins Outstanding Young Person Award

20 Jan 2019

A Wellington School pupil has won a fabulous national award.

Ali Layard in Year 11 has won the ‘Outstanding Young Person Award’ at the National Air Ambulance Awards and was presented with his trophy by celebrity Richard Madeley.

The Great Western Air Ambulance nominated Ali after his heroic fundraising efforts on their behalf. Ali sustained life changing injuries when his legs were caught in the propeller of a narrowboat. Ali’s legs were terribly injured, requiring hospitalisation for four months and numerous complicated operations. He was rescued by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity who air-lifted him to Frenchay Hospital, where his journey to recovery began.

Despite being told he would not walk unaided again, Ali’s personal resilience and hard work has led to him becoming an outstanding cricketer. He plays for Wellington School 1st team and is part of the elite cricket programme, as well as playing for the Boys U15’s Somerset Cricket Squad. In addition, he is a proud member of the England Physical Disability Lions squad.

Ali ran the Bristol 10K to raise awareness and funds for the Air Ambulance, alongside his father Andrew, and Peter Sadler, the paramedic who was at his side during the rescue.

Ali’s mother Sophie commented, “Ali received a standing ovation from 350 industry seasoned pros (pilots, paramedics, doctors) who live and breathe trauma. Apparently, they very rarely feel compelled to raise to their feet – it was quite rather humbling for us parents!”