A PE teacher who received life saving care from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance is set to give something back to the charity when running the London Marathon.
Lucy Dawkins sustained serious head injuries – including a fractured skull and laceration to the back of the head – when her car aquaplaned on surface water.
Her car collided with a barrier before rebounding into the central reservation on the M42 in October 2013.
The 27-year-old’s injuries meant she needed a quick transfer to the nearest trauma centre.
She was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for urgent treatment by staff at Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Now living in Hagley, Lucy said she always wanted to ride in a helicopter – but not as an accident casualty.
She added: “I do not remember much about the incident as I was sedated for the transfer.”
Lucy made a full recovery after five months, with the loss of her sense of smell the only lasting damage.
She added: “I’m so grateful to the crew for coming to rescue me.
“If it wasn’t for their quick response and public donations, I might not be here today.
“Nobody ever knows when they might need the services of an air ambulance, and it’s so important that people support the team and help them continue their lifesaving work.”
The marathon event won’t put Lucy in unfamiliar territory though.
In 2015 the runner completed the London Marathon, raising £10,000 for WNAA in the process.
This year she is taking part with her father Martin who is running for The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre at Nottingham Trent University.
Lucy said: “The aim this time is to complete the marathon together and raise as much as I can for the air ambulance.
“The charity receives no government funding and as each rescue mission they undertake costs approximately £1,700 I believe it is vital to support them.”
Visit wndlrairambulance.org.uk to find out how you can help the local air ambulance or call 03003 045 999.
