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helipad | www.daat.org
Torrington Cavaliers – Going up in flames for charity Torrington Cavaliers have shown huge generosity in supporting Devon Air Ambulance. With their spectacular bonfire event being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID, 2021 was an ideal opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary bonfire in style! Their Big Burn event eventually took place at the end of last year, with the group deciding to support Devon Air Ambulance, North Devon Hospice, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Torrington Commons Conservators and many other local charities and good causes. Devon Air Ambulance is extremely grateful to the Cavaliers for choosing us as one of their charities and to receive a donation of £10,000 was incredible! Former Devon Air Ambulance patient, turned volunteer, Alan Crawley and his wife and fellow volunteer Sandra Crawley attended the event, having been involved with Torrington Cavaliers for several years. We were grateful that Alan and Sandra were also able to attend the cheque presentation with Cavaliers Chairman, Mark Keeley and Secretary, Nick Hallam at Torrington Town Hall.
Lucy McIlroy – from patient to fundraiser In October 2019, Bideford-based Lucy McIlroy’s life changed forever. Lucy was driving along the North Devon link road, on her way home from work, when she was hit by a car driving on the wrong side of the road. Devon Air Ambulance’s Eaglescott helicopter was tasked to the scene, piloted by Captain Tilda Woodard and with paramedics Darren Hall and Alex Sanders-Page onboard. Having suffered significant breaks to her pelvis, hip, femur, knee and ankle, the team decided to fly Lucy to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with a flight time of just over ten minutes - a journey which would have taken over an hour and a half by road. At Derriford, Lucy was told that her injuries were so severe, she would never walk again. After spending nearly five months in various hospitals across Devon, Lucy returned home and, against the odds, was eventually able to walk with the assistance of a walking frame. In 2020, Lucy pledged to walk 144 steps to mark the 144 days she spent in hospital. Lucy also achieved her mission of a more gruelling feat, climbing to the top of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. Lucy has since raised over £2,000 for Devon Air Ambulance and is a fantastic supporter of our Charity. We are extremely grateful for every penny that Lucy has raised, and we are in awe of what she has achieved since her serious accident.
Thinking of fundraising? If you would like to get involved in fundraising in your community, or if you are already planning a fundraising event for Devon Air Ambulance, speak to our Community Engagement Officers Lottie Clark and Steffan Anderson-Thomas who will be delighted to support you in your fundraising endeavours. Steffan:
Lottie: l.clark@daat.org 07399 115358 s.anderson-thomas@daat.org 07399 115351