Zoe found herself in a road traffic collision with colleagues, but an unusual gift helped in her recovery...
Alongside our crew, an unusual gift played a big part in Zoe’s road traffic collision recovery…
Dressed in wild west-themed costumes, Kirsty, Hannah, and Zoe, three close colleagues from The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, were heading along the A386 to their manager’s 40th birthday party one serene Sunday evening last July. But in an instant, their journey turned into a nightmare when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle in a devastating collision.
Hannah and Kirsty were sitting in the front and sustained some injuries, but it was Zoe who bore the brunt of the impact, suffering multiple severe injuries, including a torn bowel and nine broken ribs.
Hannah recalls the harrowing moments after the crash:
It was supposed to be a gentle, fun evening. I managed to get out of the car, but Zoe was trapped, writhing in pain and clutching her stomach.
Zoe added that were it not for the seat belt, she would not have survived the impact.
Amid the chaos, kind bystanders from a nearby campervan rushed to help, offering Hannah a duvet to keep her warm. Their calm and compassion provided a glimmer of comfort in the midst of the turmoil.
Because of the severity of Zoe’s injuries, the Devon Air Ambulance crew was dispatched, bringing critical care to the scene before transporting Hannah and Kirsty to Derriford Hospital by land ambulance. Zoe, in urgent need of lifesaving treatment, was airlifted to the hospital.
‘I can’t remember the take-off or landing,’ Zoe later recalled, ‘But the sound of the rotor blades is etched in my memory.’
At Derriford Hospital, Zoe underwent a CT scan and was immediately admitted to the ICU where she spent four gruelling weeks. Her condition was critical, and doctors soon discovered more extensive internal injuries, necessitating the reconstruction of her bowel.
‘I had so many procedures and scans,’ Zoe said. ‘It was overwhelming, and much of it is a blur. After ICU, I spent another ten days on a different ward before being transferred to Tavistock Community Hospital for three more weeks.’
Ongoing support
Throughout their recovery, the support from the Devon Air Ambulance’s Patient and Family Support Team was invaluable.
Three days into her hospital stay, Adrian, a liaison from Devon Air Ambulance, visited Hannah, who had broken both feet and injured her knee.
‘Adrian was incredibly kind,’ Hannah shared. ‘He sat with me, talked, and provided so much information and reassurance. It made a world of difference.’
Adrian’s visits extended to Zoe as well, offering the same kindness and support. Zoe said:
That further support was just amazing, Adrian was so generous with his time.
Hannah emphasised the importance of the aftercare she received: ‘I want people to know how incredible the support is. Without it, I would have felt so lost.’
An unusual get well gift
The kindness the patients experienced extended beyond the hospital. Knowing that Zoe loved animals, Zoe’s colleagues, Billy, Niamh and Meg, gifted Zoe a donkey named Merlin for Billy’s farm.
‘It was such a thoughtful, caring gesture. Billy knew that I love donkeys,’ Zoe said. ‘Having Merlin has been a huge part of my recovery. He’s amazing!’
Grateful for the lifesaving assistance and ongoing support from Devon Air Ambulance, Kirsty, Hannah, and Zoe organised a fundraising coffee morning at The Bedford Hotel in February 2025. The event, filled with coffee, cake, and community spirit, raised over £3,000 for us and was consistently buzzing with hundreds of people attending to show their support – a testament to the trio’s gratitude and the community’s generosity.
Thank you to Zoe, Hannah and Kirsty for sharing your story with us and to the local community for their incredible turn out at The Bedford Hotel for the coffee morning.
Do you have a story you would like to share? We would love to hear from you. If you would like to raise funds for us then our fundraising team is here to help you with your efforts and events.
