Freelance news photographer, Richard Lappas also needed emergency help when, on his way to a job in January 1999, the steering on his car went suddenly and his vehicle spun across both lanes of the A30, over a 5-bar gate and through a hedge into a farmer’s field.

Covered in cuts and bruises and aware of possible internal injuries, Richard was relieved to learn that the Air Ambulance was on its way. “Having been attended at the scene, with various IV lines put in by aircrew paramedics Helen Myers and Nigel Hare, I was then conveyed to RD&E hospital by Captain Dick Metson, all within the ‘Golden Hour’. I spent nearly two weeks in hospital and it was a few months before I could return to work, but I know I have a lot of people to thank for their help on the day and for my recovery.”

We feel very fortunate that so many of the people we help are keen to give back to us by lending us their skills and time. If you would like to support us by donating your time to volunteer then you are making a practical and important difference to the lives of the patients we support.