Hi.

I have two reasons for supporting the Great North Air Ambulance Service, one professional and one very personal.

For over eight years I was employed as a Forensic Collision Investigator for Cumbria Police, doing my best to establish how fatal and serious collisions may have happened on the roads of Cumbria. During that time I witnessed first hand the fantastic work carried out by the crews of the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Over the years I saw how the survival rate of seriously injured people improved dramatically. I live in a rural county where hospitals are few, and often many miles from a collision scene. Road ambulances are invaluable, but often the distances involved mean that response times are long. The minutes following a serious crash are crucial for survival. I have no doubt, having seen with my own eyes, that the GNAAS is The significant factor in the improvement in the survival rates of collision victims.

In one of those sweet ironies that we have to find humour in from time to time, only months after finishing with the investigation of serious collisions I myself was involved in a collison that almost claimed my life, and left me with lasting injuries that will be with me forever, and also meant that I had to finish work. I suffered numerous significant injuries with damaged lungs many broken bones that even now, over two years later, have still not healed.

I was lucky that immediately following my collision, a passing paramedic assessed my injuries as serious enough to require the calling of the air ambulance. The helicopter came and took me swiftly from Cumbria to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. I don't recall any of the incident, but I know that the skill and professionalism of the crew who treated me saved my life, and they took me to a fantastic hospital where I got the best care.

In September 2016 my consultant told me that I could once again start training and doing meaningful exercise. The Great North Run is a fantastic event, and a serious challenge, and it was the obvious event for me to take on as I attempt to regain my fitness.

I have a long way to go, I am far from fit at this stage. It will be a test of my determination and commitment.

Taking on this challenge with the goal of raising money for the service that saved my life is without doubt the right thing for me, and all the motivation I will need to see me through to the finish line.

I hope that you are able to support me in my endeavour. If you are able to support me and donate to this very worthy cause it would mean so much to me and be very much appreciated. Knowing that I am also running for you will give me the extra support during the difficult early stages of training.

Thanks

Phil.

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