Finally freed from his crashed car after being trapped for two and a half hours, Richard Thacker was airlifted to hospital and safety.
Two years on from the accident, Richard has become an ambassador for the volunteer-run Magpas Air Ambulance that flew him to Queen’s Medical Centre trauma centre in Nottingham.
Richard, of Spalding, recently visited the Magpas site at Wyton Airfield in Huntingdon.
“I was invited to visit them and see their operation, as lots of their cases are, and I was so impressed with what they do that I have agreed to be an ambassador for them in our area and give talks to clubs,” said Richard.
The life-saving service is always in need of funds. “The service is run by volunteers and funded by donations,” Richard explained.
His decision to become an ambassador for the service comes from his wish to make sure the vital help he recieved continues to be available:
“They are there for everyone in our area 24 hours a day, seven days a week and they need all available help to continue to do the amazing work that I now have first hand knowledge of.”
The Magpas service first flew in 1971 when two doctors decided to volunteer to help victims of road accidents.
While visiting the site, Richard met up with the team that assisted him on the day of the crash.
Richard said: “Paramedics called for the critical care team – in my case consultant Nathan Howes and paramedic Ash Richardson.
“These guys are called to serious injury accidents of all types because they can start treatment at the scene that would be given at any trauma centre.
“They looked after me while the fire brigage worked to free me from the car.”
In his fundraising efforts, Richard was able to present £1,500 to the Magpas service. The money was raised at the March charity ball of the Rotary Club of Spalding and Welland.
Magpas has 35 doctors and covers east England.
