Hedgelayers showed their compassionate side when coming together to raise funds for a fellow competitor whose son’s life was saved by a first aid expert.
Tomos Hughes, a Community First Responder from Cerrigydrudion, sprang into action in 2016 when little Rowan Hibbert began choking on a carrot at his home in Melin-y-Wig, Corwen.
After delivering life-saving CPR, the 20-month-old was airlifted to Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, and he has since made a full recovery.
At this year’s Melin-Y-Wig hedgelaying competition, dad Adrian was among the competitors while Tomos Hughes was invited to hand out the trophies.
The event was organised by Arwel and Meryl Evans at their Pendre Fawr farm as a fundraiser for Uwchaled Community First Responders.
“We wanted to do something because they saved the little boy’s life,” said Arwel.
“When he began choking, his family dialled 999 and they were told it would take 11 minutes for help to arrive as they live in such a remote location.
“Luckily Tomos got there quickly and was able to take over from Rowan’s parents. He then deliver ed emergency CPR until the Wales Air Ambulance arrived.”
At first there was fears Rowan might have suffered due to the lack of oxygen as his face had turned blue. But after four days in intensive care he was able to breathe for himself once again.
Tomos, who was later invited to Rowan’s second birthday party, was on hand to collect more than £200 from grateful hedgelayers at last month’s competition.
The amount might have been more but for the event’s timing. “Most of the local farmers were busy with lambing,” said Arwel.
“But everyone else made a big effort to attend and in the end we had 16 competitors.”
Continuing the good form he has shown this year was Llangernyw’s Aled Roberts, who tied with ace layer Richard Lewis in the Open class.
It was almost the perfect day for Adrian Hibbert who, making his second appearance in the event, finished second in the Novice class.
The winner here was Robin Griffiths, Derwen, who was making his first ever attempt at laying a hedge.
Melin-Y-Wig hedgelaying competition 2018
Open
- =1) Aled Roberts, Llangernyw;
- =1) Richard Lewis, Llandrindod Wells.
2nd Class
- 1) Arwyn Roberts, Cwmpennaner;
- =2) Jim Kilpatrick, Llandyrnog;
- =2) Steve Yandell, Wirral;
- 4) Colin Chapman, Wirral.
Novice
- 1) Robin Griffiths, Derwen;
- =2) Adrian Hibbert, Melin y Wig;
- =2) Colin Spencer, Wirral;
- 4) Alan Evans, Llandudno Junction.
