SINCE its first flight in 2003 the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has touched the lives of thousands of people.
And last week the charity completed its 25,000th mission.
Kineton grandmother Bronwen Hurley was one of the air ambulance’s first patients after being kicked in the head by her horse and suffering serious head and spinal injuries.
The 69 year-old said: “When I fell from my horse, her back leg kicked me in the face. There was blood gushing everywhere.
“The blow fractured my jaw, knocked some of my teeth out and broke my neck. If the break had been any higher, I might have been paralysed.
‘’I was so relieved when the air ambulance arrived. Dr Wyse took control immediately and began treating me, and I was soon in the helicopter.
‘’I had a long road to recovery including; ongoing surgery, a head brace and titanium fitted in my jaw. It was a life-changing experience and I’m so glad the air ambulance team was there. It might have been quite different without them.’’
She was flown to hospital in Coventry where she spent three weeks before being discharged and beginning the long road to recovery.
Former patients like Bronwen are urging people to donate to the charity as it celebrates its milestone mission with a new appeal – 25,000 reasons to support the air ambulance.
The air ambulance service completes around three call outs a day – which cost some £1,700 each – and relies entirely on public donations to operate.
Along with its sister service the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland air ambulance, the charity is organising reunion events across the area for past patients as part of the 25,000 Missions Appeal celebrations this summer. People will be able to see the helicopter and meet the crew.
Former patients can sign up at theairambulanceservice.org.uk/patientstories at attend the events.
Visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk for more information.
