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real people saving real lives www.daat.org | 01392 466666 Charity No. 1077998
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Summer 2010
Steve Ford Airbase Officially Opened! A fantastic new airbase, named after a very special friend The new Devon Air Ambulance Trust ‘Steve Ford’ Airbase at Eaglescott Airfield, Umberleigh is now operational. BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers officially opened the airbase and was joined by the family of pilot Steve Ford, who the base is named after. Steve tragically died in a motorcycle accident on 18th October 2008.
The airbase took just 5 months to build, and the crew managed to move in just before the snow and cold spell arrived!
Speaking on behalf of the family wife Julia said ‘We have been touched by the many tributes paid to Steve following his death. We are immensely proud that he has been recognised in this way. It’s a wonderful lasting tribute to a great man whose life we were privileged to share’.
She added ‘We would also like to thank the following for supporting this project Burdens Building Supplies, Fifields and, of course, Barry Pearson of Eaglescott Airfield, who kindly gifted a long lease of the land.’
Our CEO Heléna Holt said ‘There are so many people to thank, without whom this project wouldn’t even have taken off the ground. Rok our builders have been great all the way through.’
IN THIS ISSUE . . . Patients’ Stories, BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal plus much more!
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BBC Radio Devon aim to raise hundreds of thousands...with your help As mentioned on our front cover, we are delighted to be working with BBC Radio Devon as their charity partner of the year. Together we hope to raise in the region of £600,000 towards the purchase of a brand new helicopter, to replace the leased GDAAT. Once again we are relying on the generosity and enthusiasm of you and BBC Radio Devon listeners to help us, by staging events, raising sponsorship and making donations to the appeal. If you would like to make a donation you can either log onto our website at www.daat.org or pop into your local HSBC. Or why not put on your own event?
BBC Presenters Get Locked In!
BBC presenters Jo Loosemore and David Sheppard were locked in our Mutley charity shop in Plymouth, from Monday March 1st until Wednesday 3rd and were not let out until they raised a week’s shop takings, equal to approximately £2,000. They even presented their show live from the shop daily from 3pm to 7pm!
Beacon Status Awarded
We’re very proud to have recently been awarded Beacon status, as recognition of our significant business achievements, ambition, knowledge and experience. This is a true testament to our fantastic small team of staff, who all work tirelessly beyond the call of duty. Of course it’s not just the staff, but also our extensive family of volunteers , who, coupled with the support received from the community, businesses and friends of Devon, make a winning combination.
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Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Patients: Kyle & Norman’s Stories Kyle and Fiona
There is nothing more frightening for a parent than to have a sick child and in Fiona’s case it was her 13 year old son Kyle. On the morning of Sunday 24th January Kyle was cycling to work and fell off his bike, hitting his head. When the rapid response ambulance arrived, Kyle was conscious and talking, saying that his head hurt, but he did not remember what had happened. On arrival at hospital, Kyle went straight into the resusitation unit. He had sustained a serious head injury and the Air Ambulance was called, the theatre team were already on standby for him at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. Everything was being filmed on a camera phone for his parents to show him when he woke up. Just 6 days after the accident Kyle was allowed home and is continuing to make a good recovery, but with a few weeks off school to look forward to. Fiona said, ‘I am sure that without the quick transfer to Frenchay, Kyle would not be home now. I don't want to think about what could have happened. A big big thank you to the Devon Air Ambulance for everything they did.’
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary
Norman and Freda Wellard celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary asking for donations to the charity instead of gifts. Things could have been so different though, if it weren’t for Norman’s lifesaving encounter with the Devon Air Ambulance some 14 years earlier. Norman was involved in a light aircraft crash, where 2 people were killed. He was flown by Air Ambulance to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter. The journey took just 4 minutes. Norman said, ‘Without the Devon Air Ambulance, I wouldn’t have made it to the next day, let alone to celebrating our Golden Wedding, so thank you.’ Norman and Freda are pictured above with pilot Rob Mackie, who was the pilot when Norman was airlifted.
If you’ve been airlifted why not ring us on 01392 466666 or emal info@daat.org Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Fundraising Ladies Day Fundraiser Jennifer Riach is the owner of MECA Services (SW) which is Exeter’s only lady owned award winning garage. Based near the Devon Air Ambulance’s base they often see and hear the helicopters take off.
Thanks go to Laura Swain of The Westcountry Inn, Burston Moor, seen here donating a cheque to Jack Lomas Vice Chairman of the Trustees.
Jennifer said ‘On their busier days, when the Air Ambulance has no sooner landed then it is back up in the air again, it always stops me in my tracks, placing a powerful feeling in the pit of my stomach on the realisation that something quite major must be happening. This inspired me to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. At least twice a year I close my garage doors to normal business to offer free vehicle awareness open days, aimed particularly (but not exclusively) at ladies and new drivers who want to have their cars checked over and learn a little about their own vehicle, such as how to change the spare wheel, check tyre pressures and oil levels.’
Natwest Raise Funds
Our volunteer Mike Saffin was pleased to accept a cheque for £1000 from the Exeter Team of NatWest Private Banking Advisers. Mike joined the team at one of their training meetings to collect the donation which was raised from charging staff for weekly dress down days over the last 2 years. The training meeting was certainly different from normal and a lot was learned from Mike about the work we do how the much needed funds are put to very good use.
Our Chief Executive, Helena Holt recently attended an open day. The day was a great success, so a big thank you to Jennifer and her team.
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Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Patients: Sarah and Fiona Sarah
Sarah was involved in a head on collision on the A35, she was cut out of her vehicle and airlifted to hospital. As with all expatients Sarah was invited to the airbase and meet the crew who looked after her. Sarah said,'If it wasn’t for the crew, I can safely say I would not be here today! ‘ I recall little of my accident, but when I was semiconscious the only voice, which was calm and reassuring, was that of paramedic Adrian Parker. The 11 minutes it took to fly from Axminster to Exeter went by in a blur – thank God it did! ' ‘ Visiting the airbase was a very emotional day for me, I did shed a tear or two seeing the helicopter, before meeting the team. While I knew it would be a tough visit, meeting everyone involved in my rescue was one of the best things I could have done to help me get over the emotions I had been feeling. I couldn’t believe how at ease they made me feel. How they deal with things like my rescue every day is just amazing…which is just what they are. Thank you so much.’
Fiona
Fiona had been walking for just over three hours with a group of Ten Tors trainees from Westlands School. In open moorland about 4 kilometres away from any roads, she lost her balance in mud and fell over, breaking her left leg. Fiona recalled, ‘the crew were so calm and professional that I had no opportunity to be afraid. It was a nasty break which needed to be treated quickly and this swift treatment would not have happened without the Air Ambulance’. ‘It is difficult to express my gratitude in words. The presence of the Air Ambulance and the crew made a potentially life threatening situation (the weather closed in soon after the accident) safe and controlled. I will always be in your debt, thank you’.
STOP PRESS: Here is a recently received update from Fiona: “I am back out training with the Ten Tors teams again this year. On March 6th we did the same walk from Shipley Bridge that I broke my leg on almost a year to the day. I finished the walk this time!” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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The Recession Ball Our Recession Ball was part of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal and was held at Padbrook Park, Cullompton. It was an evening of great fun and laughter, with all the fun of a traditional village fair including tombola, hoopla, coconut shy, bottle stall, plus much more! There was also a silent auction. Live music was provided by fantastic Devon based band ‘Thick as Thieves’. We usually hold a black tie charity dinner every year, but wanted to give this year’s ball a bit of a twist and make it affordable for all, especially in these difficult economic times. There was a prize for the best dressed guest, dressed from clothes bought in one of our charity shops, won by Penny Tupper and the fantastic ex jockey Michael Carroll, who at the young age of 85 can still give the youngsters a run for their money, as you can see from the photo to the right! We are extremely grateful to Thick as Thieves for coming along to entertain everyone plus we would like to thank our sponsors, without whom this event just wouldn’t be possible.
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Hatch Marquees
Hatch Marquee Hire has been operating for 20 years and provides marquees for weddings, parties and corporate events. For further information contact Claire Wotton on claire@hatchmarqueehire.com
Edge Recruits
Edge Recruits is a leading regional recruitment agency that has achieved national recognition for its professionalism, innovation and ethical practice, they are based in Totnes. Visit www.edgerecruits.co.uk to learn more.
Eventfull (SW) Ltd Eventful (SW) Ltd trades as the Commando Challenge and annually stages the Royal Marines Commando Challenge which is now in its 20th year. For further information log onto www.commandochallenge.co.uk
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Patients’ Message Board
Message: Hi just want to say thanks to the people that were involved in saving the life of my 6 yr old daughter Tammy of Minehead. On a Monday evening after she had a very high fever and fitted and turned blue and stopped breathing. She is now fine and back to school thanks to yourself and everyone involved with her recovery. Shaun (father)
Message: Hi you helped me out in May 2005, after I took a large fall while dismantling a tree at Mount Edgecumbe. But am glad to say that the only injuries I received were two broken ribs and a punctured lung which for a 60ft fall is very lucky! I healed fairly quickly but put my tree surgery career on the back burner after that. I am now training to become a first aid trainer. Many thanks to my ground team, the local first responder, the Air Ambulance and the staff at Derriford. Paul (patient)
Thanks to Mike Kinsey for this photo www.heartofdartmoor.co.uk Message: You airlifted my son Conor on 21st December from near South Molton. We were involved in a road traffic collision. He was taken to North Devon District Hospital. He said that everyone was wonderful who helped him and he loved his teddy bear! He couldn’t remember the name of anybody involved but I want to thank you all for the wonderful service you provided for him and will be forever grateful! Thank you. Natasha (mother)
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Message: I can’t thank you enough for getting me to Exeter so quickly and for taking the time to ring me to check I was okay, thank you. Anonymous (patient) Message:To all medical staff and helicopter staff. Can I express my heartfelt thanks to the helicopter crew who attended my husband after he suffered a stroke at home. Without their prompt action things could have been a lot worse. He is now home and progressing slowly. With grateful thanks.
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Devon business pledges support for Devon charity Peter Vosper and his Vospers garage has once again pledged their support for our Grand Summer Draw. This year you could win a fantastic red Fiat 500, by just buying a ticket for just ÂŁ1 (although you can of course have more than one ticket!).
How to train to be a Pilot by Pete Martin
To train to fly a helicopter actually takes about 50 flying hours, which can be done quite quickly, however, this is just a starter licence which allows you to fly a helicopter in fairly limited conditions; such as when the weather is good.
Grand Summer Draw 2010
Second prize is a 2 night stay for 6 people at the prestigous Bovey Castle, where we are holding our annual Golf Day (see right hand page). Third prize is ÂŁ100 cash! Photo courtesy of Vospers
also be very expensive. Because of this a lot of air ambulance pilots did their training in the Army, Navy or Air Force and then became air ambulance pilots when they left the military. Those pilots who were not in the military usually get their experience either doing another pilot job first or working as flying instructors. For military pilots training usually takes between 2 and 3 1/2 years.
To fly an Air Ambulance a pilot has to have a lot more experience than the minimum 50 hours and they have to have a professional pilots licence (a bit like the special licences drivers of big trucks have to have) and both of these things take quite a long time. It can
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real people saving real lives | www.daat.org | 01392 466666
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Calling all keen golfers, you can make a difference! Do you or your friends play golf? Then why not have a great day out, and know that you are raising funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust at the same time! The prestigious Bovey Castle, are kindly once again hosting our annual Golf Day. We would like to thank them for their support. Our Golf Day has become an annual fixture in our calendar and raises the essential funds needed to keep both of our Air Ambulances airborne. Here are the details: Date: Wednesday 7th July 2010 Place: Bovey Castle, North Bovey Time: Tee times will be issued nearer the day
How to enter: Visit our website at www.daat.org or email or call for an entry form. Cost: £240 for a team of 4 What’s included: A 18 hole round of golf, two course buffet, competitions and prizes More about the day: This is an 18 hole 4 ball team event Stableford ¾ handicap. Ladies add 5 shots after calculation (any combination – two scores to count per hole). What else is happening?: We are holding a raffle for you to take part in including: • 2s Competition • Longest drive • Nearest the pin • Putting competition – kindly sponsored by Charles Stanley Stockbrokers
Visits to the Airbase The Jurassic Coast Bikers have raised over £1000 for Devon Air Ambulance and have recently visited the new Steve Ford Eagelscott Airbase.
Photo courtesy of Bovey Castle
Happy 60th Anniversary To Mr & Mrs Disney (see photo on right), who raised money from their 60th wedding anniversary and donated it to Devon Air Ambulance, thank you.
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Your Fundraising Mary Phillips Tractor Run
Mary Phillips well known West of England tractor driver from St Teath in Cornwall decided to partake in a tractor run from her home to Hatherleigh market, a total run of 43 miles taking in Bude, Stratton, Holsworthy. Then she headed to Hatherleigh, in order to raise money for the Cornwall and Devon Air Ambulances.
The pair of tractors left St Teath at 7am, arriving to tremendous applause from all those who were gathered in Hatherleigh at 1.30 pm. Although the weather was slightly overcast and very cold, Mary achieved what she had set out to do and raised over £2,000 which has been divided equally between the two charities.
The tractor that she chose was an orange painted Marshall series 3A, which only travels at 8 mph. To keep her company her partner Peter accompanied her on this mammoth trek, driving his Marshall series 3A.
Happy 90th Birthday
The sum of £255 in donations arose as a result of Agnes Norrish's 90th birthday on 9th March, her family held an open house for her. She said if anyone wanted to give her anything she would rather it was a donation for Devon Air Ambulance. Agnes had a lovely day and between 50 and 55 people called in and out all day with about 25 there at one time during the afternoon! Even the weather was kind.
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Blundells Fundraising During the Summer holiday the Headmasters of the senior and junior schools, together with the Deputy Headmaster, cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End. They gave us an amazing cheque for £6,047! Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Marie’s Story & Corporate Support Marie Lockwood
In October last year Marie Lockwood came off her motor scooter as she was on her way to work in Halwill Junction. Marie, 25, has learning difficulties so for her to be able to get herself to work is quite a big issue, but unfortunately she had broken her leg. The ambulance arrived and they promptly sent for the Air Ambulance. Due to complications that arose from her broken femur, Marie didn’t get home until just before Christmas, but the good news is she has been back at work for a few weeks now. Her parents took her to the On Your Bike organisation to redo her biking test, which she passed and is now back on her scooter again.
Pictured with the on duty crew are, Caroline Creer (Daat) with Moray Bowater and Helen Hayes of Helpful Holidays.
Helpful Holidays
We’ve received £10,000 from Helpful Holidays’ charitable fund. This has enabled us to purchase a trauma simulation mannequin. This is an amazing piece of equipment – an electronic lifesized body with reactive pupils, an extended lung and heart sound library, a specialised head and many other functions with which trauma situations can be simulated to deliver realistic and essential life saving training. It will truly make a great deal of difference to the ongoing training and development of our crews, so that they continue to be the best that they can be.
We would like to thank Helpful Holidays for this very generous donation and look forward to working with them over the next year, as they have also chosen to support us as their charity of the year. For more information on Helpful Holidays check out their website at www.helpfulholidays.com
Call 01392 466666 | www.daat.org.uk Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Event Dates for Your Diary EVENTS DIARY
We don’t run many events ourselves, most are organised by supporters or volunteers. We can however help with advertising, posters, press coverage etc. Please get in touch if you require more information.
09.05.10 Welcome Garden Scheme. Little Ash Cottage, Fenny Bridges, Honiton EX14 3BL,11 am – 5 pm 24.05.10 Honiton Folk Dance. For further information please contact Andrew or June Mycroft on: 01404 46451 04.06.10 Fashion Show – A la Mode, Bampton 06.06.10 Welcome Garden Scheme. Bridgerule Open Gardens, Bridgerule, Nr. Holsworthy, 11am – 5pm 11.06.10 Charity Ball – Langtree Hotel, Torrington 19.06.10 Welcome Garden Scheme.Holbeton Garden Society, Holbeton, Plymouth, 10am – 4pm 19.06.10 & 20.06.10 Welcome Garden Scheme.Lapford Horticultural Society, Lapford, Crediton, 2pm – 5.30 pm
Photo Commando Challenge participants 2009 03.07.10 Music 4 Life at Beer Music Festival 2010, Beer Albion Football Field 07.07.10 DAAT Golf Day 2010 Bovey Castle 11.07.10 DAAT Motorbike Ride Out 2010 16.07.10 & 17.07.10 Chagstock Festival www.chagstock.info 09.10.10 & 10.10.10 Commando Challenge www.commandochallenge.co.uk 25.07.10 Welcome Garden Scheme.Fairway, Marsh (A303), Yarcombe, Honiton EX14 9AW, 10am – 5pm By Appointment Welcome Garden Scheme. Kiln Orchard, Broadhempston, Totnes, TQ9 6BT, 01803 812611 By Appointment Welcome Garden Scheme. Mellstock, Stockland, Honiton, EX14 9DH, 01404 881329
If you are fundraising for the charity why not take some photos and write in telling us all about it? You never know you may feature in the next issue.
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Devon Air Ambulance Trust