Real People Saving Real Lives for
21 Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Winter 2013
Celebrating the best of Devon Patient Stories Carla worries about Winnie Linzie does The Colour Run Richard found lying in a pool of blood
Coast & Country The jewel in Plymouth’s Crown
y! a D e h t Hero for
www.daat.org Registered Charity No: 1077998 Company No: 3855746
Helipad - The OďŹƒcial Devon Air Ambulance Trust Magazine 1
The Official Magazine
Welcome from the CEO
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Contributors: Our grateful thanks to the following photographers: Neil Devons Michelle Lovegrove Laura Board Holiday Cottages Debbie Gregory
Blick Photography Alan Quick Lyn Whitworth Andy Robertson Phil Roberts
And for contributed articles: Neil Devons
Alice Darlington
Production Team: Consultant Editor: Producer: Editor: Designer: Printing & Distribution:
Neil Devons Heléna Holt Debbie Gregory Lovegrove Design & Photography Pollards
As the nights draw in and the days get shorter we have a chance to reflect on what has been another amazing year. After many years of fundraising and a fantastically successful appeal on BBC Radio Devon, the Trust finally took ownership of its second bespoke helicopter at the end of July. Registered as G-DAAN and now based at our Eaglescott Airbase, the new aircraft undertook a Tour of Devon over seven days in August. Primarily, this gave our pilots and paramedics a chance to familiarise themselves with the helicopter but, just as importantly, the fourteen drop-
ins around the county were a great opportunity to meet the people who helped make this purchase possible. The tour was swiftly followed by celebrations for our 21st anniversary and a great weekend was enjoyed by all who attended the fun day at Darts Farm, the live broadcast of the John Govier Show, and performances by The Loose Cannons and Show of Hands. My thanks, as always, to all our volunteers, fundraisers and business supporters, patrons and trustees, who help us to provide the service we are all so proud of.
Editor’s news
Among the supporters we met at our G-DAAN Tour, there were many people who had been airlifted. As one said, “It’s really emotional to see the helicopter up close. I was airlifted back in 2000 and don’t remember much about the accident but seeing it here today just brings back to me what an amazing service you guys provide. I certainly wouldn’t be standing here with my two young children if it wasn’t for the help you gave me on the day. Thank you so much.” It was certainly a great honour to meet so many of the people we have helped and to see, first-hand, the difference that our service makes. You can read how our service helped Carla, Richard, Linzie, Keith, Mary and Lewis in this issue. Big thanks go to all our fundraisers around the county. It’s impossible to name everyone but our gratitude goes to all and a small selection can be found on our Devon People pages. As always, we welcome feedback on our magazine – please contact d.gregory@daat.org
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Contents 3
Welcome from the CEO & Editor’s news
14
Heléna Holt and Debbie Gregory welcome you to Helipad
6
Did you know? Find out a little more about the lesser known landmarks in Plymouth
Patient story – Carla Johnson Carla worries about her greyhound, Winnie, when they are in a head-on collision on the M5
16
Patient story – Linzie Reason Medical student Linzie finds herself in need of an urgent inter-hospital transfer as her organs shut down
9
Retail news
18
DAAT opens its 13th shop – lucky for some!
10
G-DAAN on tour Visiting towns around the county showing off our brand new helicopter
Patient story – Richard Hutchins Richard is found lying in a pool of blood after falling through a skylight
12
21st Anniversary Celebrations Share the pictures from our 21st anniversary celebrations
20
Celebrating Devon crafts Meet Andy Hall, specialist blacksmith, Caroline Biggins, traditional lacemaker and Simon Hallworth, master thatcher
23
Patient story – Keith Mason Keith suffers cardiac arrest on the golf course
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24
Grand Summer Draw
36
Draw tickets generate further funds
26
The jewel in the crown
38
40 Lottery Meet our Lottery’s most successful Agent
31
Where do we go from here?
32
Patient story – Mary Sansom
Round up Catch up with some of our events from a very busy summer
Take a stroll around Plymouth’s historic Barbican
29
Businesses on Board See how business support can help the Trust
Junior Crew Meet some of our younger fundraisers from around the county
42
Devon People The many and varied ways that people around the county raise funds for us
Mary needs airlifting after falling into a ditch James Halldron runs half marathon
33
Patient story – Lewis Joce Rugby loving Lewis collapses on the pitch
46
How the helicopters are deployed Meet Nicola Bolt – supervisor of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
48
Star prize winners Thank you to our prize givers
35
Inspiring young photographers Two young winners share their prize with their classmates
49
Ways to help and contact details
50
Back Chat David FitzGerald shares the events from a day at Goodwood
Helipad - The Official Devon Air Ambulance Trust Magazine 5
Patient Story
Worrying about Winnie
Carla Johnson started her working life as a paramedic in her native Spain but, after a career change and a move to England, she was only months away from finishing her PhD studies in vetinerary medicine when her life was turned upside down – almost literally – last December.
Whilst her studies were at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she
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spent much of her time in the West Country, travelling from farm to farm, specialising in parasites and diseases in cattle. Carla worked closely with farmers here in Devon and had only 8 final farms to visit before the research and data collection for her PhD would be completed.
Things changed quite dramatically, however, last winter when, travelling on the M5 en route between two farms, Carla’s Vauxhall Tigra was hit head-on by a van that had crossed the central reservation. As the emergency services arrived on the scene, Carla came round to realise that she was trapped in her car. Whilst her hands were still gripping the steering wheel, she could see that the airbag was inflated and that there was a lot of blood around her. (It later transpired that Carla had lost 5 pints of blood in the accident.) As memories of her paramedic days surfaced, Carla was very aware of the noise of glass breaking and metal bending as the emergency services worked to release her.
Throughout the ordeal, however, Carla had one overwhelming concern – for her greyhound dog, Winnie. Winnie, who travelled everywhere with Carla, had been strapped in by a dog harness to the passenger seat when the accident occurred and, despite her own injuries, Carla was more concerned for the wellbeing of her beloved pet. An attending police officer, however, had released Winnie and seeing she was in urgent need of veterinary care, had called a local practice. As the aircrew from Devon Air Ambulance attended Carla and were finally able to convey her from the wreckage to the awaiting helicopter, they were able to show her that Winnie was in safe hands. As paramedics Dave Huyton and Chris Saunders monitored her throughout the flight from the M5 to the Major Trauma Centre at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Carla dipped in and out of consciousness. The accident happened on a Wednesday; Carla didn’t know anything until the following Saturday. With Carla’s bag and all identifying paperwork left at the scene, it was 24 hours before a call could be made to her family. But with her parents still living in Madrid, and despite Carla being barely conscious, the surgeon insisted that Carla also spoke to them on the phone before her mum, Maggie, made the mercy dash from Spain on the first available flight. Carla came round on Saturday to find Maggie, along with her very good friend, Jen, at her bedside. One of Carla’s first questions was to enquire about Winnie and she was reassured to hear that, whilst the dog had lost a lot of blood and had to have her spleen removed, she was doing fine and would make a full recovery. Carla suffered multiple injuries in the accident and scans revealed that she too had a ruptured spleen. Other injuries included a punctured lung, 3 broken ribs, left femur with multiple breaks, an open fracture of the right kneecap and breaks to the left kneecap, broken right ankle and lacerations to the collarbones. In addition, Carla’s hand had to be rebuilt following damage to all the tendons. Almost one year on, Carla’s recovery has, inevitably, been very slow. She was reunited briefly with Winnie while still in Derriford and was relieved to see that her pet was doing ok. Three weeks later Carla was transferred to the Royal Free Hospital, nearer her home in London where she spent a further 8 weeks. Her mum, who had originally flown to her daughter’s bedside in December, spent a further ten months looking after her, living on a mattress at Carla’s flat. Carla was completely immobile for four months and, while she awaits further surgery, she is still reliant on a stick today. When Carla was finally given the all-clear to drive again, she returned to Devon to visit the last of the farms, in order to further the research for her PhD. As her recovery slowly improves, Carla hopes to start working on the data collected next February; she is grateful to her University for allowing her the extra time to complete her studies.
Carla and Winnie before the accident
Carla with BBC Crew Carla and Winnie had an emotional reunion with paramedics Dave and Chris and pilot Dan, when she visited the Eaglescott Airbase in the summer. Her story has been filmed by a BBC television crew for a new series called Reunited, to be shown in the New Year. Carla was happy to be involved, “If it wasn’t for the crew from the Devon Air Ambulance who looked after me in those crucial early minutes, and the speed that I got to hospital, I wouldn’t be here today. I have only vague recollections of their voices and memories of different noises but I know that I was in the very best hands and I am just so grateful. With my crash I should be dead, but with luck and all you guys have given me, I have a chance to recover our lives back - I will always be grateful for what you did for Winnie and me. I still have a long way to go but I know that, without the expert care of the aircrew and the staff at Derriford and The Royal Free, things could have been very different.”
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Retail News
DAAT opens its 13th shop The empty shop – a blank canvas before we took over
– very lucky for some! After weeks of hard work, Saturday 12th October saw the opening of our latest shop, this time in Budleigh Salterton – with a crowd of people waiting for the doors to open at 10am. Mayor, Steve Hall, came along to ‘do the honours’ and a team of Devon Air Ambulance staff and volunteers were also there to attend the celebrations. Martin Bell, DAAT’s Retail Director, explained, “Budleigh Salterton is DAAT’s 13th shop and we are absolutely delighted with the success of the opening day; the takings have doubled our expectations. We have been welcomed to the town by all concerned and local support has been incredible with generous donations arriving daily. Our shops contribute over 10% of the helicopter running costs and enable us to really keep in touch with our supporters in the community. Part of our plan for continued growth is to increase the number of shops to 20 over the next four years.” The shop will be managed by Linda Cain, previously assistant manager at Topsham, with assistance from Angie Van Vogt.
Everything
£1!
Mayor Steve Hall cuts the ribbon as the shop is declared open
Shoppers rummage through the shelves and rails, looking for bargains
Back in the summer, Devon Air Ambulance Trust launched its second specialist shop when their shop in Exmouth’s Rolle Street became a Discount Shop, with almost all stock selling for just £1.00 per item.
Martin explained the thoughts behind the initiative, “Not everything that is donated to our shops sells. Staff currently remove stock that has been displayed for 4-6 weeks and, like most charity retailers, we have traditionally sold much of this stock to a recycling vendor (RAG merchant). An average bag holds 40 items and for every 10kg bag that we recycle through a RAG merchant, we receive £5.50. Using the discount model gives us the opportunity to make an extra £34.50 and keeps our customers happy as they pick up regular bargains! Manager, Sue Redfern, and her team are very well supported locally and this initiative is proving very successful for the Trust.”
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Patient Story
Richard found lying in a pool of blood Richard and wife Jackie
Richard Hutchins, from Bishopsteignton, was only too pleased to offer his services when asked to help replace the covering on a relative’s garage roof in Chudleigh. before he fell back to sleep.
They were making great progress individually and reached a point in the job where they needed to work together across the skylight. After a quick coffee break, they climbed back up the ladders each side of the garage. At the top, however, Mike saw no sign of Richard, nor did he hear anything when he called his name so Mike climbed back down the ladder to see what had happened. Richard was found some minutes later, lying in a pool of blood on the concrete floor of the garage. A head wound was still bleeding and Richard was slipping in and out of consciousness. Hearing frantic shouting from Mike, a neighbouring mechanic called immediately for the emergency services then telephoned Richard’s wife, Jackie, who rushed to the scene. As a fearful Jackie arrived, so did the Devon Air Ambulance crew and also on board with paramedics Dave Huyton and Mark Langley was Dr Jeorge Kuehne. The risks with a fall from height include compression injuries as the internal organs may be crushed on impact, along with spinal or neck injuries. Bleeding from the head also causes concern for concussion and/or possible brain injuries. No-one had witnessed Richard’s fall through the skylight but, as the medical team assessed him, he was asked if he recognised his wife. Jackie was relieved to hear her husband whisper ‘wife’
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Leaving the aircrew to stabilise Richard before airlifting him, Jackie raced to Derriford Hospital and arrived just as the Air Ambulance was landing. Further tests and x-rays revealed that Richard had fractured all his ribs down the left side, he had lung damage and a slight brain bleed but, luckily and despite all their concerns, he had escaped further internal injury or damage to his neck or spine. Richard, 50, spent two days in Intensive Care and then a week on the ward before settling back at home for a slow and steady recovery. “Everything hurt,” he explained. “And, whilst I was so relieved to get back home, that was only the beginning of the road. I was so lucky not to have been more badly injured and can’t thank the Air Ambulance crew enough for looking after me in my hour of need.” Ten weeks later, Richard attended the 21st birthday party of Devon Air Ambulance with Jackie and their daughter, Charlotte. They were delighted to be reunited with paramedic Dave Huyton who, in turn, was delighted to see Richard looking so much better!
Richard, Jackie and Charlotte with paramedic Dave Huyton
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21st Birthday
G-DAAN dropping in
Gett ing up close and perso nal to the helicopte rs
Face paint ing John Govi er’s live broa dcast
Both helicopte rs atten ding Brav ing the rain
Radio Devo n’s live broa dcast Live mus ic
Celebrating 21 years of service To celebrate our coming of age, Devon Air Ambulance Trust hosted a weekend of entertainment on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September.
BBC Radio Devon’s John Govier presented his Saturday morning show live from Darts Farm, with an audience of 300 who were entertained by John and such musical talents as Alex Kumar, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Alistair Brammer, The Billycocks, Low Tide Theory, Appaloosers, Alex West and Steve Black. The two Air Ambulances both made appearances between jobs and visitors young and old, were given a chance to see
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the helicopters, including our brand new aircraft, GDAAN, close up and to meet the aircrew. There was a display by Master Blacksmith, Andy Hall, and a demonstration of the emergency services working together as two ‘patients’ were cut out of a car. Supporter Mary Phillips also came along, successfully back from this year’s challenge of Lands End to John O’Groats on her Field Marshall tractor. Children loved the bouncy castle and the face painting and everyone enjoyed the tasty food and refreshments available. Toe-tapping entertainment, The Cannon Ball, was provided on Saturday 7th by The Loose Cannons, supported by Yours In Harmony. Show of Hands topped the bill on Sunday 8th, supported by Cole Stacey and Joseph O’Keefe. Our thanks go to all our sponsors and supporters including Darts Farm, Sonic Events, First Scaffolders, Devon Contract Waste, Brooklands Events, VIP Marquees, BBC Radio Devon,
The Hutchins & The Averys
Nikki Bolt and Michael Chequer ready for a dem onstration
Hav ing fun on Mary Phillips’ tract or Patie nt Extra ction
G-D VAA dropping in
Blacksm iths in actio n
Eme rgen cy Serv ices live dem onstration
Frien dly firem en
And the roof com es off!
The Loos e Cann ons Broo klan ds Events
Yours in Harmon y
The Loos e Cann ons
The Loos e Cann ons A great party atm osph ere
John Govier, The Loose Cannons, Show of Hands, Yours In Harmony, Cole Stacey, Joseph O’Keefe, South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust, Devon & Somerset Fire &
Show of Han ds Rescue Service, The Atass Group, Signs Express, Thirsty Work, Otter Valley Ice Cream, Chunks of Devon, Ash Ironworks, Party Paints, WAFA and Pocket Full of Posies.
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Plymouth
Plymouth
– a gentle stroll around a singular city The City of Plymouth is the largest conurbation on the South Coast of England with a population of over 250,000. It is known worldwide for its natural harbour, the Hoe, Sir Francis Drake and his game of bowls and a rich heritage, much of which is based on saying hello and goodbye to the many emigrants, visitors, sailors, soldiers, fishermen and explorers who lived or passed through the city. However there are many less well known places, buildings and facts about Plymouth that merit a brief visit.
The Hamoaze The River Tamar, which was set as the Devon/Cornwall border by King Athelstan in 936 AD, flows into the oddly named Hamoaze before entering the sea at Plymouth Sound. The name is first referenced in 1588 (the year of the Armada) as the river of Hamose and probably derives from a combination of the manor of Ham and an old word for mud. The Hamoaze is best seen from Devil’s Point Park which overlooks Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and Drake’s Island.
The Royal Citadel Built in the reign of Charles II after the Restoration, the fort’s guns can be trained on the city as well as out to sea, such was the suspicion the King had for the people of Plymouth after their support for Parliament in the Civil War. Today it is the headquarters of 29 Commando Regiment of the Royal Artillery.
The Commando Gunner Memorial Outside the gates of the Royal Citadel is a remarkable memorial to the 14 soldiers killed in action since 29 Commando Regiment was formed in 1962. The 18 foot high memorial is made of limestone and granite and features a commando dagger on top. It bears the names of soldiers killed in action while serving with the regiment since it was formed in 1962 and was unveiled in January 2011.
The Merchant’s House Once home to William Parker the Lord Mayor of Plymouth from 1601 to 1602, the Merchant’s House is the finest surviving example of a 16th/early 17th century residence in Plymouth. As well as a private residence it has been a shop, lodging house and even a taxi office, while today it accommodates a fascinating exhibition of Plymouth social life.
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Joseph Hansom Plymouth’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface) is the seat of the Bishop of Plymouth and mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth, which covers the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. It was designed in the English Gothic style by eminent architect Joseph Hansom and built between 1856-8. Despite designing more than 200 distinguished buildings across the UK, he is most famous for designing a taxi – the Hansom Cab.
Freedom Fields Freedom Fields is a lovely but underrated Plymouth park. Although it has the Siege Monument, which commemorates the victory of Parliamentarian forces over the Royalists during the Civil War, it actually got its name after the defeat of the French in 1403. Mock battles re-enacted the fights which took place between the locals and the invading Bretons. In 1439, Parliament passed the ‘Incorporation of the Borough of Plymouth’, an Act which gained Plymouth independence as a city. Freedom Day is still celebrated at the park. The nearby Vapron Road is named after the smoke that lingered from the cannons fired by Parliamentary forces occupying Freedom Fields during the Civil War.
Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle The master story-teller set up in medical practice in Plymouth’s Durnford Street in 1882 with fellow Edinburgh trained doctor George Tournavine Budd, a flamboyant and often inspirational character. Conan-Doyle, on the other hand, was reputedly quiet and considered in everything he did. Could these two opposites be the naissance of Holmes and Watson? Did the proximity of Dartmoor provide the inkling for the Hounds of the Baskerville?
John Rouse - The hero of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift The hero of Rorke’s Drift, Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers, was born in Pennycross, Plymouth in 1847. In January 1879, he was Officer Commanding when some 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an assault by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors resulting in the award of 11 Victoria Crosses. Chard was famously portrayed by the late Sir Stanley Baker in the 1964 film Zulu.
Smeaton’s Medals Smeaton’s Tower, the third Eddystone Lighthouse, was completed in 1759. The construction workers, many of them Cornish tin miners, were issued with a medal which they could show to prove they were Smeaton’s men and working on the lighthouse to avoid being press ganged.
Plymouth Dome The landmark Dome was opened in 1988 as an interpretation centre for the history of Plymouth. Today, it accommodates the latest culinary venture for celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, confirming Plymouth’s growing status as a gourmet experience.
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Patient Story
Urgent transfer from RD&E to London As well as all the local incidents, traumas and accidents that our aircrew attend every day, Devon Air Ambulance Trust is also on hand to transfer patients from our county hospitals to specialist units elsewhere in the country. As a medical student at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in Wonford, Linzie was quite used to seeing patients brought in to the A&E unit by paramedics from
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Devon’s Air Ambulance. Never for one moment did she imagine that one day the helicopter would be called to save her own life. Linzie was 23 years old when, in March 2011, she went from feeling unwell to being rushed into the Intensive Care Unit of RD&E with liver failure. There were added complications with kidney failure and Linzie’s body was shutting down. As all the signs became evident that Linzie was in need of an urgent liver transplant, the wheels were set in motion for an airlift transfer from RD&E to a specialist unit at Kings College Hospital in London. Being asked by a nurse before she left RD&E if she had a last message for her mum, Linzie remembers saying, “Tell her I’m sorry and I love her.” Linzie doesn’t have any recollection about the journey from Exeter to London and only remembers
“I have such amazing gratitude for the Devon Air Ambulance team. I’ve been told since that I’d never have survived a lengthy road journey from Devon to London and, although I don’t remember the journey at all, I know that it’s in huge part down to the Air Ambulance that I’m still here.” the confusion of waking up some weeks later and wondering why everything around her looked different. Miraculously, after spending several days on a life-support machine with specialist drugs being administered, Linzie avoided the need for a transplant and, very gradually, her condition improved. “I have such amazing gratitude for the Devon Air Ambulance team. I’ve been told since that I’d never have survived a lengthy road journey from Devon to London and, although I don’t remember the journey at all, I know that it’s in huge part down to the Air Ambulance that I’m still here.” Having battled with anorexia nervosa since the age of seven, Linzie describes her time in Kings College Hospital as the ‘turning point’. “I had always considered that I was in control of the anorexia but knowing how ill I had become made me realise that, actually, the condition could kill me. It was my
absolute lowest point but, I guess, necessary for me to change things around,” Linzie explained. “My parents have since said that they used to have only 10% Linzie and 90% illness and now they have 80% Linzie and only 20% illness. They’ve been so supportive throughout everything; I’m so relieved that things are so much better now.” Despite still having issues with her kidneys, Linzie’s liver is now ok. Having chosen not to finish her studies to become a Doctor, Linzie has since completed a degree in Medical Science and, whilst acknowledging that anorexia nervosa still plays a part in her life, she is determined to remain in control. Her commitment to thanking DAAT for their part in her recovery extended to participating in The Colour Run on 14th July. “I would not be alive today if it weren’t for the incredible service that this charity provides. I’m doing this 5k run, where the emphasis is on health, happiness and fun, with some lovely friends and I hope to be able to raise some money for this amazing charity along the way. They’re truly incredible.” Linzie, now 25, has also been an Ambassador for the charity Beat, helping others to overcome eating disorders. If you would like to seek help or learn more about Beat, contact www.b-eat.co.uk
G-DAAN on tour
G-DAAN on tour At last the long wait was over... G-DAAN was safely delivered to Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 31st July and the Trust had one month for familiarisation by pilots and paramedics before the aircraft went into fulltime service on Sunday 1st September. This gave the charity a one-off opportunity to organise a series of fourteen drop-ins to towns and villages around the county. From Lynton and Braunton in the north to Kingsbridge in the south, Tavistock in the west to Axminster in the east, around 25,000 well-wishers came to see the new aircraft, registration G-DAAN. They met the pilots, paramedics, staff and volunteers and learned about the facilities and technology on board and future plans for the service. Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director for DAAT, explained, “The tour by G-DAAN has been a great opportunity to meet the very people of Devon who have helped us purchase this amazing new Air Ambulance. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging and the drop-ins have enabled us to show young and old alike what their support has achieved. For many people, the only time they would see the helicopter is flying swiftly across the skies above or, heaven forbid, if they are in need of an airlift. This tour has given our supporters a chance to see inside, ask questions and learn first-hand how the service saves lives every day.”
Gett ing a close r look at Blun dells
Caro line and Nige l with Exet er Chie fs
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Dart s Farm
Foun der Ann Ralli with her fa mily
Mark acce pts a cheque Hols wort hy
Sout h Molt on Saxo ns turn up at Crediton
Pilot Ian handing out stick ers
And rea Downing & fa mily at Hols wort hy
Nige l talki ng to the local child ren
Ann and fa mily with Nige l, HelĂŠna and the Cann on of Exet er Cath edra l
Puppy getti ng lots of attention at Hols wort hy
Nige l bein g interviewed by local press
Mark show s visito rs the stretcher The tea m at Paig nton
Ben and his tea m from the Tiverton shop
Matt & Sian Took e
Lan ding at Tavistock
Wilkinson s staff com e alon g to help
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Devon Crafts
Celebrating Devon crafts Devon has had a strong tradition of rural arts and crafts for many hundreds of years and continues to attract talented artists, designers and craftsmen. Here, we meet three specialists in their craft… Internationally acclaimed, award-winning blacksmith, Andrew Hall Andrew Hall FWCB is an award-winning blacksmith with over 30 years experience and is the inspiration behind ASH Ironworks at Branscombe Forge and Powderham Forge. His work can be seen throughout the country, from Dover Castle and Hampton Court Palace to, more locally, Knightshayes Court and A La Ronde. Andrew established ASH Ironworks in 1986 in a traditional thatched forge in the picturesque village of Branscombe. Amid the
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roar of the forge fire and the ring of the anvil, in an environment evocative of centuries past, Andrew creates his unique and bespoke products using traditional forging tools and techniques. Many of his designs are inspired by his love of nature and the great outdoors. “I was walking through some bluebell woods earlier this year,” he explained, “when I noticed that the arch of the bluebells is in the perfect shape of an ironwork scroll. In that moment, I decided to create a 6-foot giant bluebell garden sculpture.” The result is spectacular. Andrew has an array of awards to his name. In 1984 and 1988 he received awards from The Guild of Wrought Ironwork Craftsmen and HRH The Princess Royal in recognition of the quality of a bouquet of handcrafted steel flowers laid across a horseshoe, and a hand crafted table respectively. Looking for a new challenge, Andrew began competing in live Blacksmiths’ competitions. In 1992 he won first prize at the 15th International Blacksmith Live Forging Championship and was judged International Live Blacksmith of the Year. His success continued and after winning the Live National Blacksmith title 4 times in succession he retired from competing in 2008. Five years later he has won this years’ title on the first attempt back in the competition which means he has won every time he has competed. He has no plans to compete for this title again but is looking ahead to an international competition in Stia in Italy in 2015. As well as traditional products, Andrew also thrives on creating individual decorative pieces, claiming “Your imagination is your only limitation.” Examples of Andrew’s work can be seen in the showrooms at both Powderham Forge and Branscombe Forge which are also both full working forges. For further details about ASH Ironworks, visit his website on www.wroughtirondevon.co.uk
The intricate world of bobbins and lace. It is believed that lace making came to England from Europe in the sixteenth century and by the 1660s there were as many as 25,000 lace makers in Devon. It was a cottage industry with the majority of lace being made in the homes of the workers, who were often the wives of poorly paid labourers and fishermen. A great boost was given to the industry in 1839 when Queen Victoria ordered her wedding dress and veil to be made of Honiton lace, starting a fashion of wearing a white dress to be married in. Caroline Biggins from Totnes is a lace-maker and teacher, beginning her career in 1966 after being given a pillow and bobbins from a family friend. Originally hoping to make a lace tablecloth, Caroline soon learnt that the intricate and delicate work is painstaking and time-consuming, with even small pieces taking many hours. Encouraged over many years, Caroline finally began teaching in 1980 as a member of the Devon Lace Teachers concentrating on traditional skills to ensure that the new lace makers have a good grounding in
technique. Caroline works primarily in 180 fine silk or cotton thread and finds inspiration for her designs from nature. Her work is traditional in style, based on Honiton lace, which is recognisable by its leaves and floral motifs, where very fine threads held on bobbins are woven back and forth to build up the pattern. Working in collaboration with her artist husband, Barry, Caroline’s first competition piece was entitled Rings and Roundels. Caroline’s ideas were interpreted into pattern form by her husband and then took 15 months to complete, winning the John Bull competition trophy in 1986. Caroline and Barry worked together on book of lace patterns: New Patterns in Honiton Lace which was published in 1993 and is still available today. Caroline, a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, has since won further competitions run by The Lace School and The Lace Guild. She is rightly proud of her achievements and explained, “Lots of people have my skill, but no-one else has my designer!”
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Devon Crafts
“What a wonderful craft” Master thatcher Simon Hallworth affectionately describes the moment he first laid eyes on the craft that would see him settled with a 33 year strong career as ‘a typical life changing thing’. “I was living in Lustleigh at the time and saw a thatcher working on a roof with his sleeves rolled up and the sun shining behind him and I just thought what a wonderful craft – this is the job for me.” Fast forward 33 hardworking years and he hasn’t looked back – having built up a strong reputation and clientele around him. Moving to Devon at the tender age of 8 years old, Simon had originally trained as an accompanying photographer to journalists, but “became unhappy with how intrusive the job had become” and at 21 years old had found himself at a point in his life where he wasn’t sure which path to take.
The popularity of thatch is as strong as ever and there are now around 200 thatchers across Devon. “Every property boom I’m inundated with extensions and new builds, but then it dies down again – luckily for me I have a strong base and get repeat custom from many clients which I’m proud of.” Now living in the parish of Kenn, Simon still undertakes work all over the county, often with fellow thatcher Roger Martin, and enjoys a ‘good balance’ between rewarding hard work and quality time off. For more information about Simon Hallworth and to view his portfolio visit www.devonthatchers.co.uk
This was until that fateful day back in 1976 which lead him to make enquires about training as a thatcher – an understandably hard trade to get into in those days. He eventually landed an apprenticeship in Exeter and stayed there for 4 years before making “a go of it on my own.” His love of the craft has never waned, though Simon reflects on the discrimination he faced from other thatchers when he first began his own business, saying “many around Devon thought I was too young to be a thatcher which was interesting – but because the waiting list was 2-3 years back then, I managed to nip in when others couldn’t and my business grew from there.” One particularly unusual request and memorable job for Simon was creating ‘can-shaped’ haybales to promote a national brewery; with the subsequent posters appearing in magazines and billboards around the country!
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Simon (L) and Roger thatching
Patient Story
Keith with fellow golfers
Traumatic end to a game of golf Following a routine health check, Shaldon businessman Keith Mason was delighted to learn that everything was fine. Having never smoked and still working six-days a week, 61 year old Keith considered himself very lucky. However, things changed quite dramatically one day in June. After a typically busy time at work, and a week of family celebrations for his father’s 90th birthday, Keith was looking forward to the weekend. As his wife, Sarah, went to work, Keith also set to work before meeting friends for a game of golf. Unusually, he felt ‘a little queasy’ and assumed that the previous evening’s partying was, perhaps, taking its toll. After playing just a few holes at the 18-hole course at Teignmouth, Keith realised that he was definitely feeling worse rather than better so decided to call it a day and, leaving his team-mates to continue the game, he headed back to the Club House. As he approached the 10th hole, Keith collapsed in cardiac arrest. By good fortune, Nicola and Stephen Davies, about to start their game on the 10th, rushed to assist. Nicola is a Healthcare Assistant for Torbay Care Trust and recognised that Keith needed immediate help. Retired policeman Martin Spearman and wife Glynis were also on hand and, along with Nicola’s husband Stephen and club professional Rob Selley, they made use of the Golf Club’s newly purchased defibrillator. Under Nicola’s calm instruction, and despite their own trepidation, they did CPR until paramedics from the land ambulance and the Devon Air Ambulance arrived.
Meanwhile, Keith’s team-mates had called Sarah suggesting that Keith shouldn’t be driving home so, en route from Dawlish to Shaldon, Sarah stopped off at the Golf Course to meet him. Seeing his car but unable to find him, Sarah asked around – and then realised the arrival of the ambulance was actually for her husband. The Devon Air Ambulance soon landed close by and aircrew paramedics Nigel Hare and Paul Robinson ran to the scene. Once he was stabilised, Keith was flown direct to the specialist cardiac unit at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
Keith woke up some hours later to discover that his blocked arteries had been cleared and two stents had been fitted. Incredibly he was walking again the following day and back home just four days later. Three months later, and after attending twice-weekly rehabilitation classes with supervised exercises, Keith is gradually feeling stronger and fitter. He explained, “It’s been an emotional time, with loads of ‘what if’ thoughts, but I feel very lucky that so many people helped on the day. The assistance offered by Nicola, Stephen, Martin, Glynis and Rob was vital – and thank goodness that Teignmouth Golf Club had a defibrillator. I know the guys were really scared to use it so I’m incredibly grateful to Nicola for taking control. Then, the reassurance to everyone of the Air Ambulance arriving and the speed that the aircrew flew me to hospital also made a massive difference. I know I’ve got to take things easier now but I am just so grateful to be feeling well again.”
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Grand Summer Draw
Representatives from Vospers, Bovey Castle and Calor Gas with this year’s lucky winners
Air Ambulance Summer Draw raises £55,000 Once again, the Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s Grand Summer Draw has proved to be a major fundraiser for the Charity, this year contributing £55,000 to its work. The lucky winner of the main prize was Jayne King of Exeter who drove away from the Charity’s airbase at Middlemoor with a brand new Mazda 2 TS2, provided by Vospers. The second prize of a lodge weekend break for six people at Bovey Castle was won by Derek and Aileen Boyce from Kingskerswell while Ian and Muriel MacMillan from Sidmouth took the third prize of a Calor Gas barbeque. DAAT Fundraising Director Caroline Creer, said: “The Grand Summer Draw has
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Caroline Creer and Paul Robinson with Peter Vosper handing over the keys to Jayne King become one of the most significant initiatives we undertake and makes a substantial contribution to our on-going fundraising efforts. “We are once again very grateful to Peter Vosper, Bovey Castle and Calor Gas for their ongoing support for our draw but most of all we’d like to thank all the people of Devon and everyone who bought a draw ticket or simply made a donation in the knowledge that the money has gone to a really worthwhile cause.”
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Coast & Country
Plymouth Barbican Quirky, cobbly and full of character – the Barbican is a real jewel in Plymouth’s crown Plymouth’s Barbican is the type of place tourists delight in. It has history and heritage, it’s picturesque, quirky, cobbly and full of character. It has antiques, collectables, souvenirs, boat rides, fishing trips, music, theatre, art, books, nooks, crannies, pubs, clubs, bars and places to eat – lots of them, from fish and chips, pasties and a chocolate café to fine dining on a mouthwateringly international scale. In fact, there are over 50 places to eat and that’s not including the traditional pubs lining the main street and quay area. It’s also a place of different moods. It wakes up slowly with cafés serving coffee to local workers and early visitors. Waiters begin laying up the outside tables and Southside Street, the Barbican’s main thoroughfare, is choked with delivery vans. It stirs into life as the lunch time trade gets underway and it will buzz in the evening with its culinary
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temptations and pub crawl potential. Most visitors want to see where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail and take photos of each other at the Mayflower Steps; although the real point of departure is alleged to be somewhere near the ladies toilets in the neighbouring Admiral McBride pub (which isn’t quite so photogenic). Other places worth taking a look at include the early 16th century Elizabethan House and the delightfully tranquil Elizabethan Gardens, characterized by colourful flowers and fragrant herbs contained in low, clipped box hedges; a real secret delight which is often devoid of other visitors. Take a drink in the Dolphin with its eclectic mix of customers that fascinated local artist Beryl Cook. Walk past Jacka’s, Britain’s oldest commercial bakery known to have been operating in Sir Francis Drake’s Day and said to have supplied the Pilgrim Fathers with ships’ biscuits. Visit the world famous Plymouth Gin Distillery where they have been working their magic on juniper berries since 1793. As well as a superb tour of the Distillery, there are the delights of the Barbican Kitchen, a brasserie run by celebrity chef brothers, Chris and James Tanner. The Barbican was fortunate to have missed the devastation of the Blitz allowing everyone to enjoy the many buildings that
date back centuries. However, it has embraced change along the way. New interventions include offices and apartment blocks that haven’t pleased everyone but time does not stand still. A major catalyst for change was the construction of a lock in 1993 connecting the Barbican to Coxside. The need for a modern fish market (the old one now accommodates clothes, souvenirs, curiosity retail and the Glassblower’s Restaurant) prompted the plan which has had a huge impact on the area. Originally conceived for flood defences, the lock created a consistent depth of water to accommodate the fishing fleet and a more attractive marina for the yachting fraternity. It is no coincidence that by creating the pedestrian link across Sutton Harbour, significant development has transformed the area; in effect expanding the allure of the Barbican and its immediate environ. This has included the National Marine Aquarium, several hotels, a leisure complex, restaurants and a new pub – a real tale of sustained regeneration. The Barbican has grown and evolved but has held on to its inner character and remains the place to go on your visit to Plymouth.
Lottery
I always wanted to run a sweet shop! Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s in-house Lottery generates over £1,000,000 each year and much of this comes in from our Agents around the county.
Pat and her Lottery Poster
These key Agents can be found in local grocery stores, pubs, post offices, DAAT shops and, in the case of Newton Abbot, a newspaper kiosk. Pat and Lawrence Parker have run the News Kiosk in Market Square six days a week for the last 23 years, serving daily and weekly newspapers, magazines and journals and a great choice of confectionary and sweets. Hand-in-hand with this goes a wealth of local knowledge as they answer a myriad of questions and signpost newcomers to various points around the town. And, added to this, they currently have 112 customers who are regular members of the DAAT Lottery. “It’s another part of the service and we’re pleased to be part of something so important,” said Pat. “Our customers often say, “Well, you never know when you might need them” and, at just £1 per number per week, people are so willing to support such a good cause.” Pat loves the community spirit of running the kiosk. “We see the same faces every week and so many have become friends,” she explained. “When I was a little girl, I always used to say to my mum that when I was grown up I wanted to run a sweet shop – so this is my dream come true!” Lawrence, now 71, is still at work at 04.30 every morning, sorting all the papers for the day ahead. Pat, 66, has overcome cancer twice, now works three days a week. “When I was ill, I was overwhelmed by the support from our customers. I had get well soon cards right the way down the stairs at home from people wishing me a speedy recovery; everyone was so kind.” Tracy Owen, Team Leader for DAAT Lottery, added, “All our Agents are hugely important to us and Pat and Lawrence are fantastic examples! They’ve supported us for years and their Lottery income totals an incredible £62,500 - we can’t thank them enough.” If you run a shop and would like to be an Agent for the DAAT Lottery, please contact Tracy on t.owen@daat.org or telephone 01392 469886.
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Lottery Devon Air Ambulance Trust Lottery Form Please complete this form, plus Section A or B to advise us how you wish to pay. Please return this form to: DAAT Lottery, FREEPOST SEA14647, Exeter EX4 8ZY NOT YOUR BANK I confirm all members are 16 years of age or over. Signed
Date
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other
First name(s)
Surname
Address Postcode Tel
Why not double your chances with two numbers? Tick here for a second number The second number will be in your name unless you wish to assign the number to someone else. If so, please enter their name below: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other
First name(s)
Surname
SECTION A - PAYMENT BY CHEQUE I wish to join the DAAT Lottery and pay by cheque
One Number Half yearly £26
Yearly £52
If you pay by cheque you will receive a reminder Two Numbers Half yearly £52 by post prior to your subscription running out Please find attached my cheque payable to DAAT Lottery for £
Yearly £104
SECTION B - STANDING ORDER FORM
To the Bank
I wish to join the DAAT Lottery by standing order
Please ensure you quote the following number on all correspondence
To (your bank/building society) Address Postcode Name(s) of Account Holder(s) Sort Code
Account Number
Signature(s)
Date
Please debit my/our account until further notice - I wish to pay the sum of: (tick one box only) One Number
I wish my standing order to start on:
Two Numbers
Monthly
£4.34 per month
Monthly
£8.68 per month
Quarterly
£13 every 3 months
Quarterly
£26 every 3 months
Half yearly
£26 every 6 months
Half yearly
£52 every 6 months
Yearly
£52 every 12 months
Yearly
£104 every 12 months
DD/MM/YYYY
Please debit my account and pay to: DAAT Lottery, HSBC Bank Plc, St Thomas, Exeter Sort Code: 40 20 29 Account No. 11377566 We would like to use the winners names and location in promotional material. If you do not want your name to be used, please tick this box Responsible person, C Creer of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS. The Devon Air Ambulance Trust is the official Lottery promoter and is licensed by the Gambling Commission, no: 000-0005032-N-308657-001 www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
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HP1113
DAAT News
Where do we go from here? As you will see from the articles in this issue of Helipad, we have celebrated some amazing achievements and milestones this year. Everyone involved with the Trust is proud to be part of something so special. It currently costs £4.5 million annually to keep our two Air Ambulances flying and all of the monies needed come from the generosity and goodwill of the community, businesses and friends of Devon. We are proud of our independence from Government funding. The operating costs of the service, including our pilots, are met by public fundraising and donations. The paramedics are provided by South Western Ambulance Services NHS Foundation Trust, supported in part by the Charity. We fervently believe that our service should be driven by local needs and, looking forward, it is our plan to extend our flying hours further in order that we can also attend missions during the hours of darkness. To this end, over the next year or so, we will look to identify a number of ‘community helipads’ throughout the county. By 2016 we will extend our flying hours to 10pm and by 2017 we plan to fly from 0700 until midnight every day.
We are available in daylight hours – during the summer that’s approximately 14 hours a day
A local service – owned by and for the people of Devon
Here for all – from birth upwards
Bringing the right care, to the right place, at the right time
Inevitably, this will only be possible with continued support and increased funds but, with YOUR help we plan to turn these dreams into a reality. You can follow the progress of your community helipads in future editions of Helipad.
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Patient Story
Royal wedding from hospital bed Mary Sansom of Doddiscombsleigh was happily helping her elderly parents by washing the windows at their house in Luppitt when she slipped and fell, landing awkwardly in a concrete ditch, four feet below. She fell hands first and then hit her head. As she came round, she realised that she would have to seek help as neither of her parents, both 96 years old, were aware that she had fallen. Slowly and painfully, Mary made her way back indoors where her father called the ambulance service. On arrival, the land crew saw that as well as a nasty bump and bruise to the head,
Mary had, indeed, broken both her wrists. The Devon Air Ambulance was called which, fortunately, arrived just 10 minutes later. Mary was attended by paramedics Eddie Bunday and Adrian Parker and flown by pilot Steve Rush to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for immediate surgery. With both arms in plastercast, Mary spent five days in hospital before spending six further weeks recovering. One of the highlights of Mary’s stay in hospital, however, was the opportunity to watch the wedding of Prince William and Catherine. “My accident happened the day before,” Mary explained, “so I was worried that I’d have to miss it. But all the wards had televisions with freeview so we all got to watch it, patients and staff together. It was great fun!”
Sponsorship, Just Giving, Virgin Money – we don’t mind which! Our thanks go to Teignmouth’s James Halldron who raised over £1,000 after running in this year’s Bristol Half Marathon. James, cheered on by his wife Lynne, completed the race in a personal best time of 2 hours 9 minutes – an amazing achievement. Particularly so when, as James says, “Two years ago, I decided to start running again after previous cancer
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treatment in 2007, in preparation for the London Marathon in May 2012, but I could barely run without injuring some part of my anatomy: mainly my poor old knees!” James, 63, who has since run marathons in New York and Manchester, was chuffed with his time and continued, “It seems that from the statistics produced by Run Bristol, that out of 26,268 entrants, I managed to come in at 6092. No prizes of course, but the best prize was being able to raise some funds for Devon Air Ambulance to whom I am grateful for allowing me to run in their colours.”
Patient Story Lewis (L) with one of his teamates who helped to save his life at Tiverton Rugby Club.
Lewis collapses during a rugby match At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking that the 19year old Lewis Joce was a ‘picture of health and a strapping lad’ and, until November last year, he thought so too. Lewis was a keen rugby player, having been part of the Barnstaple Rugby Club since a young lad, and by the 2012/13 season he was playing in their second team. It was during a match against Tiverton on Saturday 10th November 2012 that Lewis’s life changed when, about to go in for a scrum, he collapsed, pulling a team-mate down with him. As his heart stopped beating, Lewis lay on the ground in cardiac arrest. Two fellow players immediately rushed to help, with one supporting his head and the other starting compressions on his chest. Fortunately for Lewis, St John’s Ambulance members were present at the game and a land ambulance crew, who were passing the ground, also stopped to help. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the Devon Air Ambulance was called and the aircrew was swiftly on scene.
Despite collapsing again during the flight, Lewis survived the journey. Aircrew paramedics Nigel Hare and Nigel Lang stabilised Lewis before airlifting him to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Despite collapsing again during the flight, Lewis survived the journey and his treatment in hospital included having a pacemaker (ICD) fitted. He is still being monitored by the hospital and, whilst his ICD has gone off a few times since, Lewis continues to make a steady recovery . Whilst he realises that he is never likely to play competitively again, Lewis has turned his attentions to training youngsters and has now passed his Level 1 coaching course, much to the benefit of Barnstaple’s Under 12s. Following Lewis’s cardiac arrest, Barnstaple Rugby Club set about fundraising – and can now boast their own defibrillator at the club. Training to use the equipment has now been undertaken by members from the rugby club, the neighbouring football club, the bowls club and local council staff! Alan East, Manager of Barnstaple RFC, said, “I am glad to say that the defib machine is now situated on the wall of our clubhouse for all to use. Luckily, as yet it has not been needed - lets hope it stays that way!”
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Photo competition
Daisy
Inspiring young photographers What do you get if you add one Devon Air Ambulance Trust calendar photo competition, one stunning Dartmoor view, one budding photographer and a camera? The answer is first prize in her age group and category for Alex Kinsey, 8, of Princetown, in the Capturing Devon 2013 competition. Alex was presented with her image of Vixen Tor printed onto canvas by paramedic Adrian Parker at the DAAT 21st birthday party fun day at Darts Farm Exeter, and her image is the September page of the calendar. Her prize also included a photo workshop for the whole of her class at Tavistock’s Kelly College Prep School, run by Plymouth– based photographer Russell Soper of ‘Camera Kids’ who runs minimal-cost photo workshops for school groups in the wider Plymouth area.
Alex and Russell
a studio. They learned about camera handling, with a wide range of cameras to examine, and a little about the history of photography. The children found the workshop enormously stimulating and inspiring – and of course, great fun! Another primary school that benefitted from a workshop with Russell was St Andrew’s Church of England Primary in Buckland Monachorum after Daisy Guilor, 9, also won first prize in her age group and category. Alex and Daisy were both thrilled to win and can’t wait for next year’s competition to enter again! The Capturing Devon calendars, with 12 winning images, are available at all DAAT shops for just £5 and via the DAAT website: http://www.daat.org/product/Capturing+Devon+ Calendar+2014/ at £5 plus postage. We are delighted to announce that next year’s competition is to be sponsored by Stay In Devon – further detals will be available in the Spring issue of Helipad. For more information about the workshops Russell runs, please visit www.soperfectimages.co.uk
Observation was the key skill within the photo workshop, the Year 4 pupils being tasked by Russell to take cameras out and spot the letters of the alphabet formed by what they could see around them, as well as composing still-life images in
Helipad - The Official Devon Air Ambulance Trust Magazine 35
Businesses on board
Businesses on board
Business support comes in a variety of ways; it could be financial, goods in kind, pro bono or charity of the year, and we are grateful to every one that supports us. Here are just a few to whom we owe big thanks... Helpful Holidays – Through customer donations, a cricket match and picnic, box holding and match funding of the total, Helpful Holidays have raised a whopping £21,305! Based in Chagford, with holiday homes right across the West Country, the team and all their customers recognise the value of having the air ambulances in Devon. PR Manager, Helen Hayes explained, “It has been an absolute pleasure raising funds for DAAT this year; our customers have given willingly and generously to such a great cause – they all say, ‘well, you never know when you might need them’!” Co-op membership scheme – DAAT benefitted by £9,253.26 from this year’s Share Your Profits scheme, where customers can choose to donate their share of the profits to a charity of their choice. Our Ambrose Bear went along to say thank you.
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Holiday Cottages – Staff here completely embraced the idea of dressing up as Superheroes for National Air Ambulance Week, much to the amusement of neighbours and customers. Meanwhile, their colleagues at Stay In Devon offered holiday vouchers as prizes for our summer competition. Stay In Devon have also offered to sponsor next year’s Capturing Devon Photographic Competition. Wilkinsons - Recent charity of the year partners, staff at the five Devon branches of Wilkinsons have really embraced the challenge of fundraising and raising awareness for us. As well as selling our merchandise in their stores and assisting at our events, colleagues have also volunteered to help in our charity shops. A Dragon Boat Race at Exeter Quay, involving participants from Wilkinsons stores as far away as Wales and the Midlands, plus a team from DAAT (pictured), was a great end to the fundraising events for National Air Ambulance Week.
Nat West - Various Natwest branches throughout Devon have chosen DAAT as their charity of the year 2013-14. Several branches took part in National Air Ambulance Week; Exmouth branch have held a charity quiz and two teams of staff volunteered in Exmouth and Exeter’s Cowick Street DAAT shops, undertaking their own ‘Apprentice Challenge’. Linden Homes – Thanks to the fantastic support by golfers from a variety of businesses, Newton Abbot based Linden Homes charity golf day raised over £8,000, split between DAAT and Rowcroft Hospice.
Casino Select To kick off their charity of the year fundraising activities, Mandy Blackler from Casino Select held a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in her garden for friends and neighbours. The event included a cake sale, cream teas, Roly’s Fudge, a ‘roulette raffle’ on fun casino tables and more. Casino Select has also offered their services free of charge for certain DAAT events and Mandy hosted the tables at the evening reception of ‘Flying by the seat of your bikes’ at Huntsham Court. HSBC – Staff at the South and East Devon brances of HSBC have all been involved in fundraising for DAAT. So far, in addition to selling our merchandise at the banks, they have also held a football tournament and two quizzes.
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Round up of events
Round up of annual events
In addition to the events celebrating the arrival of G-DAAN and the Trust’s 21st birthday, there have been other annual events taking place around the county all summer... Agatha Christie Sea Swim
Motorcycle Ride Out This year’s Ride Out, on July 14th from South Molton to South Devon, saw over 1,000 gleaming motorbikes of all makes, shapes and sizes following the 84-mile fully marshalled route through Devon’s beautiful countryside. Thanks go to our motorbike committee for their fantastic organisation, planning and marshalling of the route, our event sponsors and to Teignmouth resort staff for their enthusiastic help on the day. Congratulations to Andy Green, Gerald Merchant and Andy Shortridge who won the three ‘Best Bike’ categories. Live music, food stalls, bouncy castle and trade stands kept riders and their pillions, locals and holiday-makers entertained all afternoon on The Den in Teignmouth.
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As part of the festivities for Agatha Christie week, our annual 1-mile sea swim at Goodrington took place on 15th September. Despite the weather being particularly unkind on the day, almost 50 swimmers took to the water, including Andrea Downing – mum of little Freddie who was airlifted by DAAT twice on Christmas Day 2011 after falling from a first floor bedroom window – who was trained for the swim by her friend Laura. Thanks also to swimmer Mia Cara-Southey who inspired others by writing a blog for us following her training and swam on the day with her friend Lou. We couldn’t have put this event on without the sponsorship from the ATASS Group and help from Torbay Surf Life Saving Club, so big thanks to them too.
Commando Challenge
National Air Ambulance Week Companies around the county joined in with various activities to support this national fundraising week for local Air Ambulances, with many staff members dressing up as their favourite superhero. ‘Flying by the seat of our bikes’ was a 30mile cycle ride undertaken by a star-studded line up including our patrons, Lady Penny Mountbatten and Mary King OBE, along with actress Caroline Quentin. All bikes were given the ‘once-over’ by The Bike Shed of Exeter and the event was hosted by Damian Llambias and Chris Badham of Huntsham Court near Tiverton who held a celebratory champagne reception for the riders.
Our biggest fundraising event of the year involves around 2,000 participants and 140 volunteers and takes place over the first weekend of October at the Royal Marines assault course on Woodbury Common. Teams have the choice of a 4K fun or a 10K endurance course, both including such obstacles as Peter’s Pool, the Sheep Dip and the Crocodile Pit. They, along with most of the tunnels on the route, were all full of ice cold Woodbury Common water, and rain in the days leading up to this year’s Challenge ensured that no-one went home clean! There was even a team from DAAT this year – Heli Heroes – who ran the 4K on the first morning and then carried on as marshalls for the rest of the day! This year’s event, for DAAT and The C Group, has already raised in the region of £160,000! Our thanks go to EVERYONE who takes part or helps in any way.
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Junior Crew
Eight year old Erin Huxley climbed an elevating 606 metres, the same height as the second tallest building on earth, in two days raising over £450 for DAAT.
Junior Crew
We are delighted to hear that so many youngsters around the county are helping to raise funds and awareness for their local Air Ambulance – here are just a few...
Alfie Steer and little brother, Sonny, came to see the new helicopter when it called into Kingsbridge.
Alfie’s cousin, Ellie Steer and her friend Jess also came along to see our brand new helicopter.
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Having already enjoyed trips to Cyprus, Dublin, Turkey and Greece this summer, Douglas Bear is currently trekking to Everest Base Camp. Meanwhile, his companion, Sid Bear from Sidmouth has climbed to the top of Mount Toubkal in Africa.
Buckland Brewer Young Farmers Club presented DAAT with a cheque for £400 raised from a tractor run earlier in the year which involved 45 tractors!
The star of a walk from Salcombe to Hope Cove was 5 year old Aidan Watts who, despite wind, torrential rain and even sleet, completed the whole 9 miles dressed as an air ambulance paramedic. He was still smiling at the end and was awarded with his own medal for not only completing the walk but for doing it so cheerfully.
Young Brynley Bannister showed his entrepreneurial talent collecting coke and beer cans in big dumpie bags with South West Metal paying £40 per a bag. All donations go to DAAT.
When five year old Alfie Glasspool was invited to go to school in fancy dress as someone who helps people, he chose to go dressed as a helicopter pilot – complete with a map at his knee. We think he looks great – well done Alfie!
Archie Diffey was happy shaking collecting boxes for DAAT at his parent’s stand, Character Builders, at this year’s Chagford Show. His dad, Tom, was airlifted last year and Archie was happy to do ‘his bit’ to say thank you.
A group of young children had a fantastic time at Bridgerule Carnival in their home made Devon Air Ambulance float which contained a pilot, doctor, paramedic, Prince William and Kate and Baby George.
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Devon People
Members from the Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club were part of an impressive display at the Classic Vehicle Gathering hosted by Devon Morris Minors Club held in Exmouth on 18th August. The event raised funds of £1,481.70.
Following a range of fundraising activities at Ashcombe Village Hall and generous donations by Club members, DAAT benefitted by £2000 in 2013, bringing their total to over £9,000! Our thanks go to volunteer Lisa Harman for collecting it on our behalf.
Chris Brown Martin, Steve Carter, Chris Lake and Matt Retter were the 4 Paddlers who tackled the South West Kayak Challenge, paddling 300 miles from Bude in north Cornwall around the Lizard and Lands End, and back along the south coast to the River Exe, finishing at Exeter Quay. Despite some painful blisters and rough conditions, they paddled day after day for a total of 10 days, sometimes for 7 hours at a time. They raised around £9,500 which will be split between DAAT and three other charities! They are pictured here with their whole support crew – who, they admit, they simply couldn’t have done the challenge without.
Charles Revill cycled 100 miles in 8 hours 46 minutes, on the Prudential London-Surrey 100 Ride and raised nearly £1,000 for DAAT. The route takes in some of the capital’s most famous sights before taking on the narrow roads and tough hills of the Surrey countryside.
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Fundraising
Great costumes were donned and great fun was had by all at Natasha Gardiner’s 1960/70’s night in Bishopsteignton. Natasha was inspired to raise funds for the Air Ambulance after being airlifted in March 2011 following an horrific road traffic collision.
Mark Summerbee and George Milligan in training before Mark’s 698 mile cycle ride from Brooklands Motor Museum in Weybridge in Surrey to Monte Carlo in the south of France!
Taking her Field Marshall tractor on yet another adventure, this year Mary Phillips drove from Lands End to John O’Groats. Along with previous runs and the auction of a donated ‘little grey Fergie’ tractor, Mary’s fundraising for DAAT currently stands at an impressive £19,246!
Rotary Club of Plymouth raised over £800 at their Pirate Weekend on Plymouth’s historic Barbican earlier this year, with fun and games for all the family and a variety of prizes on offer.
Contact Caroline Creer on 01392 466666 ext *133 or email c.creer@daat.org
Devon People
Thanks to the firefighters of Hatherleigh who took part in a ladder climb and raised £500 for DAAT. They climbed to the top of the 45 foot ladder some 1,852 times stretched end to end is 13 miles! Thanks to volunteer Dennis Bater for collecting their cheque.
Ian Woolley from Ipplepen completed ‘The Outlaw’ Ironman Triathlon in Nottingham on 7th July 2013. The challenge comprised a 2.4 mile lake swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon, which Ian did in 12 hours 35 mins –congratulations! He also raised over £400 for DAAT n the process.
George and Carole Cowie presented a chequefor £1,400 to Gillian Gunn of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust; monies raised during 2012 through monthly charity quizzes, hog roasts, themed weeks and an annual Grand Christmas Draw held at The New Inn, Coleford.
Blundell’s School hosted its 5th annual charity Golf day and supported DAAT as its charity for the event in conjunction with the Peter Blundell Bursary Awards. Thanks to Andy Southgate and team mates Gloria Butt, Richard Provis & Dale Barker. A cheque for £500 was presented to Caroline Creer at Huntsham Court.
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Fundraising
Darren Phillips and Andrew Winser became known as Goldilocks this year as they decided to have some fun with their hair. First, both went blonde and let their hair grow until it was long enough to perm. They then decided to have their heads shaved and raised a fantastic £2,000 for DAAT – thanks guys!
DAAT’s Maggie Little went along to Homebase in Honiton to collect a cheque for £250 after the store successfully won this year’s Honiton & District Lions Duck Race.
Razzfest returned to Cullompton this summer and raised an impressive £1086! Guests enjoyed a popular line-up of music, an afternoon summer fete and an ale and cider festival.
Grace Bennett helped to raise over £4000 for DAAT since her father passed away last April – by holding a 300km cycling event in his memory. To take part in next spring’s CB300 please visit www/ facebook.com/ChrisBennett300.
Contact Caroline Creer on 01392 466666 ext *133 or email c.creer@daat.org
Operational News
Nikki at the control desk
A day in the life of... Nicola Bolt, HEMS Supervisior We are often asked how the helicopters are deployed, so who better to ask than Nicola Bolt... My name is Nikki Bolt and I am the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) supervisor for the South Western Ambulance Service. My team and I are responsible for deploying both the Devon Air Ambulances, along with the Cornwall and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances. What did you do before you joined the HEMS team? I started with the ambulance service in 2000 as a call-taker taking the 999 calls for the South West, and then progressed to become a dispatcher sending ambulances to the calls. At that time there wasn’t a separate role specifically for the air ambulances. I was asked in 2005 if I would like to develop a team specifically trained in the deployment of the air ambulances and I’ve been there ever since! What does involve?
your
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role
Nikki with Paul Holmes and Kelly Thompson All the 999 emergency calls for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset come into the control room. My job is to monitor and review these calls, determine which ones require Air Ambulance attendance and then dispatch a helicopter to those patients that require assistance. In addition, as team supervisor, I am responsible for training the rest of the team and for collating statistics and producing and presenting analytical reports required by the ambulance service and the air ambulance charities. Explain a ‘typical’ day on the HEMS desk? Each day is different; you never know when that phone
rings whether it will be for a serious car accident, a baby not breathing or someone who has drunk too much! What you can guarantee, though, is that you’ll be busy juggling: watching the 4 computer screens in front of you to identify potential air ambulance calls, listening to the calls as they are taken to hear exactly what is going on, contacting crews to attend incidents, keeping in touch via radio whilst they are out and about. In addition, we might be contacting someone at the scene to advise them to look out for the helicopter and explain how to attract their attention, contacting the hospital to advise them of incoming patients, arranging for an ambulance to meet them at hospitals where the helipad is not immediately outside the A&E doors or liaising with other emergency services like the police or search and rescue. What determines if a helicopter is despatched? This is primarily based on the seriousness of the patient’s injury/illness but also on where they are, where the hospital is in relation to them, and which hospital they may need to go to as it is not always the closest one that would provide the specialist treatment they may need. We have a wide ranging geography in the South West, which quite often means that the patient is either a long way from an ambulance, or a long way from a hospital and the speed of the helicopter can be invaluable. We also receive a number of calls from walkers, horse riders etc, who have their accidents in remote, difficult to access locations like Dartmoor and sometimes the helicopter can be the only way that we can get help to these patients quickly. How do you deal with frantic, emotional calls? Unfortunately this is part and parcel of the job and these calls can be very challenging as, until we have their location we cannot send help to them and, until we know exactly what has happened we are unable to provide them with help over the telephone before the ambulance arrives. It can be a very stressful situation and you just have to remain calm and be firm in order to get the important information as soon as possible – easier said than done sometimes!
Nikki with her horse Milton uniform I think my wardrobe consists mainly of muddy jeans and wellies! What would you like to be doing in five years from now? Sunning myself on a private island following my lottery win! What am I likely to be doing? Well, if my work and life are as they are now I will still be very contented!
What is the favourite part of your job? I have to admit I actually enjoy every aspect of my job! The best days are those where you go home after either a busy day, or one where you have had a difficult incident, knowing that your decision has made a significant difference to a patient’s chances of recovering from their accident, a real ‘feel good’ factor. What are your hobbies? I mainly only have time for one as I have a horse called Milton, and two miniature ponies called Murphy and Kristal! In between riding, and all the glorious tasks associated with looking after them, like mucking out in the rain, I don’t have much time for anything else! I take part in a few of the local equestrian events and like nothing better than hurtling full speed along a cross country course! Apart from my work
Another summer of extended flying led to our service being available across the county for up to 14 hours a day, with aircrews on duty from 7.00am to 9.00pm between end April and end August.
Our reports reveal that the extra hours enabled us to help a further 54 patients!
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Keeping in touch
Star status Jade Rainey posted to Devon Air Ambulance Trust 14 February Me and my mum Janice Rainey would like to thank the Devon Air Ambulance Trust for the help they gave my stepdad Steven Tolly on the tragic north devon link road worker incident. We sadly lost him last week, but Wins vouchers for Mi without the help of the devon air Coto Tapas in Torquay ambulance team and all the staff at Derriford intensive care unit we would not have been able to spend his last days with him.. So we would like to thank you all very much for giving us that opportunity to spend the last moments with him. We appreciate all the care you gave him and couldn’t thank you enough for all that you did for him, Thank you Devon Air Ambulance team.. true heroes.
Star letter
Letter from Balmoral Castle to our Cowick Street volunteer, Mrs Liz Turner
Star email Wins accommodation, “On 13th December last year, my 3-course dinner and husband Ken suffered a stroke. I breakfast in the elegant found him around 7.30am on Kentisbury Grange To the crew of Jennie,
the kitchen floor. I rang 999 & the ambulance from Tiverton was here in 20 minutes, they rang you & you were here within a few minutes. The helicopter landed in our paddock just a few yards from our bungalow & Ken was airlifted to Musgrove Park Hospital. He was receiving treatment by 9.05am; he was thrombolysed & made a fantasic recovery. Thanks to you, the emergency services & the amazing staff of A&E & the stroke unit of Dunkery Ward, I have 95% of my husband back. Six months later to the very day, Ken’s horse Annie, foaled in the same paddock, on the same spot as the helicopter landed. She’s a little filly & we’ve named her Devon Jennie (... I’m sure the helicopter had Jennie written on the side). Anyway we thought that this was the right name for her & thought you might like to know about her. We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for what you did for us & the amazing work you do.We hope to sometime in the future do some fundraising for you.” Yours thankfully Pauline & Ken Govier
Star blogger Wins Lathwells Restaurant vouchers
Huge thanks and credit to our paramedic Mark Hawley, who competed in the Great West Run as Jennie the Helicopter. A full account of his gruelling challenge can be found on the Blog page of our website...
Wins VIP tickets to ICE Show, Westpoint
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Ways to help If you are looking for things to do in the coming weeks, here are just a few ideas to while away the time – and support DAAT!
Events Saturday 7th December Ruby Country Market in Hatherleigh. Your chance to start – or finish – your Christmas shopping!
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December Stan Hacking Concert. Book your tickets for an evening of musical entertainment from this woodwind, brass and percussion band at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre.
Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd December Take your children or grandchildren along to Cotleigh Church near Honiton and see their faces light up at the decorated Christmas carol-themed trees.
Saturday 21st December Join in the festive spirit with The Torridge Male Voice Choir singing carols and Christmas songs at the Appledore Inn in Bideford.
19-23 February 2014 Robin Cousins’ ICE show at Westpoint – skating like you’ve never seen before. VIP tickets available to support DAAT. See full page advert in this issue for further details. For other events, please check www.daat.org/events
A surprise gift How about signing up a loved one for DAAT’s own in-house lottery – supporting the Trust and offering them a chance to be a winner at the same time! Call into one of our shops, visit our website on daat.org or call our lottery team on 01392 469886.
Volunteering All of our shops are in need of more volunteers. There are all sorts of jobs that can be done from sorting through the bags of donations to window dressing. If you can spare just a few hours a week to help in one of our 13 shops around the county, please contact Rosey Oakes on r.oakes@daat.org or telephone 01392 466666 *122.
DAAT’s own Android App now available Due to public demand, our I-phone app is now available for android users. You can now download the app, enabling you to pin-point your exact location and call the emergency services (if necessary), by going to the Google play app store on your phone.
Contact Us: Write:
Devon Air Ambulance Trust 5 Sandpiper Court Harrington Lane Exeter EX4 8NS
Telephone: 01392 466666
Twitter: @devonairamb
Email: info@daat.org
Facebook: Devon Air Ambulance
Web: www.daat.org
Helipad - The Official Devon Air Ambulance Trust Magazine 49
Back Chat David FitzGerald, DAAT Patron and BBC Radio Devon presenter, turns Superhero! Last month we were invited to The Goodwood Revival, a classic car show where people are encouraged to dress in period costume. Any invitation which involves cars, cars and yet more cars, with planes slung in…….I am there. Anyway, after a three hour drive, we rock up in Portsmouth, as we were staying with friends, and I go to the boot to unload the luggage. It was at this point that I discovered that we had left said luggage hanging on the back of the front door. I wouldn’t mind but I even went back for the tickets at one point and thus walked past the bag! So, after months of preparation with two authentic 1950’s outfits, tailored, altered, even a genuine 1950’s hat for the enemy, the good lady wife, we were sat in Portsmouth and they were sat in Plymouth. Then the lady of the house made a suggestion, ‘Borrow one of my husband’s suits.’
He looked up at the blood dripping from my eyebrows and elbows with the bottom of my trousers soaked red as I had left most of my knees on the carpet rail inside the restaurant and his mouth fell open. ‘I’m fine,’ he said….. and wandered off! I returned to a now startled restaurant and bled on the wantons for a while. The owner asked if I wanted to phone the police? ‘No, but I suggest you call You’ve Been Framed if you have CCTV,’ I replied and stemmed the flow of blood with a small wad of noodles. Where was the Devon Air Ambulance when you needed it?
Fitz
‘No, seriously,’ I said, ‘There will be nothing suitable’. But then as the wardrobe door swung open I found the first two offerings not half bad. ‘How about this one?’ his wife said. ‘That is appalling,’ I muttered. ‘So outdated. It might just work. And that tie is awful, let me put it on.’ So off to Goodwood and a great day was had by all. By way of thanking my fashion unconscious friend I suggested taking him and his good lady for dinner. Halfway through the Chinese, there was a bang on the window and we witnessed a common sight these days; two youths beating up another, which I later found out was just for ‘fun’. Stand up ‘Captain Justice from Plymouth’ or the Cosham Avenger as I am known in that part of the country. ‘I am not standing for this,’ I yelled to an uninterested restaurant and I sprinted for the door. Now there are two things I should remember at 51 years old….firstly, I don’t sprint and secondly, what the hell was I going to do when I got to the fight! But I needn’t have worried. In mid-sprint I tripped on the carpet and used my face as a braking mechanism, crashing to my knees and smashing my face into the door handle with such violence that the attack stopped outside. They then fled, as I bled. Staggering out, spattered in blood, I pointed to the fleeing youths in a ‘let that be a lesson to you’ manner. ‘Are you alright?’ I enquired in my best superhero voice to the young victim.
Back Chat
50 Helipad - The Official Devon Air Ambulance Trust Magazine
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