Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Magazine SPRING 2014

LATEST News and Events...LATEST News and Events... FOLLOW MEFOLLOW ME

SPRING BALL1920’s

Run For It!Run For It!

Get Dressed Up and

KILIMANJARO 2015Reach New Heights

Put the Winterblues behind you

Reach New Heights

KILIMANJARO 2015

Get Dressed Up and

Put the Winterblues behind you

1920’s SPRING BALL

‘BAG A BRA’ and Help Save a Lifeand Help Save a Life

‘BAG A BRA’

dive, there are many ways in which youcan challenge yourself for HIOWAA in2014. Last year our supporters ran lapsaround Thruxton Circuit at Run For It!,our annual fun run in September, and thisyear we're asking you to come back anddo the same again in fancy dress. Or ifrunning isn’t your thing, registration isnow open for the Isle of Wight Challengein August, a walk which follows thestunning coastal path around the island,or you might like to think about signingup to Walk the Test Way in October.

...including Gill Morris, who, like manyother former patients, is now a memberof the HIOWAA family and a dedicatedvolunteer. We are always keen to hearfrom former patients, so if you wouldlike to share your story with us, thenplease do get in touch.

As we get ready for another busysummer of events, I want to say ‘thankyou’ once more to each and every oneof you for your on going support anddedication to your Air Ambulance.

Best Wishes.

John GR Perry Chief Executive

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HIOWAA 1920s Spring Ball

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro for Lily

The Triomanjaro

Events

Run For It!

Running for HIOWAA

Ulfa Bennett runs an ultra-marathon

Top Ten Running Tips

Isle of Wight Challenge

Why not Bag It Up

A Patient’s Story - Linda Bliss

Flight for Life Lottery

Making a Splash for HIOWAA

Meet Julian Kingshott

A Patient’s Story - Max Rollitt

Leave a Legacy

Alresford Golf Club

Whitchurch Silk Mill

Bag A Bra Day

Readers’ Photos

A Patient’s Story - Gill Morris

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ContentsWelcome tothe SpringEdition ofHelimed56

Editor: Sherie Williams Ellen

Design and Production:CB Graphics, Cliff Bryant, Southampton

Photography:Front cover: Matt WatsonInside cover: Dave BronnimanBack cover: Fraser RowbothamAll the rest: Staff and Volunteers

At Thruxton with vintage aircraft

4 Kings Park Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AS

t. 023 8033 3377e. enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.ukwww.hiow-airambulance.org.ukCharity No. 1106234

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

...to raise money for HIOWAA. Betweenthem, they hope to raise in excess of£100,000 and many of them have alreadystarted their fundraising journey. You canread more about our Kilimanjaro trek onpage 7 of the magazine.

Challenges have been a recurrenttheme over the past few months and wehave set the bar high here at HIOWAA.As we enhance our life saving service,extending our current flying hourstowards the goal of delivering a morecomprehensive night flying service andmeeting our target of having a doctor onboard for every mission in 2015, ourcosts are set to increase. Today it is moreimportant than ever that we raise thevital funds that we need to keep servingthe people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Whether it's dusting off your unusedrunning shoes, or signing up for a sky

On the front cover of this issue are someof the intrepid teamwho will be climbingMount Kilimanjaro inFebruary 2015...

In this edition of Helimed 56you can read stories of formerpatients...

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Put the Winter Blues behind you

On 26th April Hampshire and Isle ofWight Air Ambulance will be hosting a1920s Spring Ball at the Novotel inSouthampton to help raise money tokeep the Air Ambulance flying and savinglives. In keeping with the 1920s theme,guests are asked to come dressed

Tickets are available from:www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk or by ringing 02380 333377.

Cast yourself back to theRoaring Twenties, an era of Flappers, Jazz, the LindyHop and Charleston, for anevening of music, dancingand entertainment at theHampshire and Isle ofWight Air Ambulance1920s Spring Ball.

elegantly, or era appropriate for ladiesand gentlemen.

Starting at 7pm, tickets cost £50 perperson, to include a champagne cocktailreception and a four course meal. Tablesof 10 are available for a group rate of£450. The evening will also include araffle, casino and musical entertainment.

Premier Underwriting havegenerously sponsored the Ball this year,so that more money can go directlytowards helping to keep the AirAmbulance flying.

The Spring Ball is always verypopular with our supportersand a great source of revenuefor HIOWAA.

So come and have some fun and spendan evening celebrating the decade thatbought us The Great Gatsby and The JazzSinger, in the knowledge that whilst youparty, you will also be contributing to avery worthwhile cause.

At the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

1920s SPRING BALL

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Have you ever thought what it would be like to climb to theroof of Africa?Would you like to take on a once in alife time challenge and help raise vitalfunds to keep Hampshire and Isle ofWight Air Ambulance flying and savinglives? Then our Kilimanjaro Trek 2015could be for you.

We are looking for champions insearch of a challenge to join a trek toclimb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania inFebruary 2015. At nearly 6,000m,Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highestmountain and the six day trek is not forthe faint hearted. However, anyone whois reasonably fit should be able to makethe ascent, and what better way toachieve a personal goal and help savelives at the same time?

...who will joining the trek, and he willbe there to spur participants on whenthe going gets tough, and to offertraining and fundraising tips throughout2014. James commented ‘We have hadan amazing response to our Kilimanjarocall to action and this will be animportant fundraising opportunity forHampshire and Isle of Wight AirAmbulance in 2015. We need morepeople to take up the challenge, and tomake it their resolution to ‘Reach NewHeights and Help Save Lives’.

Anyone ready to set themselves anunforgettable challenge and to help ussave lives at the same time shouldcontact James King on 023 8033 3377or james@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

KILIMANJARO 2015 Reach New HeightsHelp Save Lives

The trek will be led byHampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Communityand Corporate Fundraiser,James King ...

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...who was conveyed to SouthamptonGeneral Hospital by HIOWAA in 2012. The night that Lily’s motherFelicity received a call from her husbandto say that Lily had had a fit, she wascollecting items for the Charity Ball thatshe and her husband were organising inmemory of Lily’s brother Harry, whopassed away in March 2011. ‘I havenever been so scared, and the drivehome seemed to take for ever, withevery driver I came across seeminglydriving so slowly’, she says.

When she arrived home, theambulance was in the drive and thedoctor and paramedics were working

Kilimanjarofor Lily

For Matthew Davis from Upton, nearAndover, climbingMount Kilimanjaro is an opportunity tocelebrate the life of his daughter Lily...

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on Lily. The Air Ambulance arrivedwithin 10 minutes and Lily was taken toSouthampton General. ‘I just knew thatthings weren’t good, as the last thingthat was said to us before Lily wasconveyed was that she had been downfor a long time and that they were veryconcerned. We told our family, so thatthey were prepared for the worst’.Felicity continues, ‘The Air Ambulancecrew were phenomenal. Theirprofessionalism and dedication to tryingto save Lily’s life was amazing. Theykept us informed all the time as she was airlifted’.

Lily passed away aged five monthsand five days. The Davis family have hadto go through the process of a postmortem and an inquest, which tookseven months. It has been a long journeyfor them, as they were only just comingto terms with Harry’s passing away. ‘Wehad to organise a second funeral, twoheadstones and all the other issues thatsurround the passing of someone’, saysFelicity.

Matthew and Felicity have had anenormous amount of support fromfriends, family and the local community,which has helped them steadily to moveon, and in February, their third child was born.

...and they see the trek as a great way tocelebrate her life and raise awareness forHIOWAA. Matthew told us; ‘This is aservice that is vital in the area that welive. HIOWAA have visited the area onseveral occasions for various incidents,such as horse riding, cycling and forestryaccidents. The crew’s ability to locateincidents quickly, attend to and thenconvey ill or injured patients to the mostappropriate hospital for their needsundoubtedly saves lives. Although Lily didnot survive, it was still by far the fastestand most appropriate way to have dealtwith the situation’.

Felicity Davis and LilyDoug Evans and Matthew Davis

You can sponsor Matthew and Dougat: www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/HIOWAAClimbingKiliinmemoryofLily

Matthew will be climbingKilimanjaro with Lily’s uncle,Doug Evans. Lily would havebeen three years old on 1stFebruary 2015...

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They are aiming to raise at least £10,000for HIOWAA by climbing Mt Kilimanjaro,trekking 7 hours a day and enduring awide variety of environments; savannah,rainforest, below freezing temperaturesand scorching heat.

Ian told us ‘We, along with, 30 otherbrave individuals have set ourselves atarget of raising in excess of £100,000between us, which could help keep ourlocal life-saving service in the air for awhole month. Although we cannotpredict the future, we can go some way to ensure the future of thisincredible service.’

You can sponsor James, Ian andSerhan atwww.virginmoneygiving.com/triomanjaro

Serhan Handani, Ian Browning and James King

The TriomanjaroThe Triomanjaro boys(Serhan, James and Ian)have set themselves amountain of a task.

E V E N T S

. . . . .S P R I N G

Here is a list of events thatHIOWAA will be attending, eitherwith volunteers collecting donations or selling merchandise.

X-hill-arator. Sat, 5.4.14, Dene Farm,Nr Stockbridge. A 10k muddy obstaclerace. You can enter as an individual, or aspart of a team and you don't have to bean experienced obstacle racer to takepart - EVERYONE is welcome. Some ofthe entry fee money will go to HIOWAA,so why not sign up today and have somefun into the bargain. www.x-hill-arator.co.uk

Meon Springs CommunityExperience Day. Sun, 13.4.14.Whitewool Farm, East Meon, GU32 1HW. The main arena will bebuzzing with activities anddemonstrations, you can jump on atractor and trailer to take a wanderround the Yurt Village or come and seethe cows and calves in the farmyard. Aswell as things to watch and learn, thereare plenty of activities in which you canparticipate such as fishing and shootingwith tuition, archery and air rifles. Theevent is child friendly, dog friendly andprovisions are also available for disabled people.

HIOWAA 1920s Spring BallSat, 26.4.14. 7.00pm - 1.00amNovotel, Southampton. HIOWAA arehosting a Spring Ball at the Novotel inSouthampton. In keeping with the 1920stheme, guests are asked to come dressedelegantly, or era appropriate for ladiesand gentlemen. The ball will help to raisemoney to keep the Air Ambulance flyingand saving lives. Starting at 7pm, ticketscost £50 per person, to include achampagne cocktail reception and fourcourse meal with music, dancing andentertainment. Tables of 10 are availablefor a group rate of £450. The evening willalso include a raffle, casino and musicalentertainment.

Beaulieu Boat Jumble. Sun, 27.4.14,9.00am - 5.00pm. Beaulieu MotorMuseum, Beaulieu, New Forest, SO42 7ZN, 1000 stands of boating bits,new trailerable boats, dinghies,equipment and craft from classics tonearly new. With thousands of new andused boating bargains, it makes for anunmissable event for all sailors. Admissionincludes entrance to the National MotorMuseum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey,and World of Top Gear.

Continued P19.

Serhan says ‘I was inspired to climbKilimanjaro by the amazing stories that I hear from James about the work ofHIOWAA. I still can’t believe that theyprovide such an essential service and yetthey receive no Government or lotteryfunding. I firmly believe that we shouldsupport them today, as any one of usmay need them tomorrow.’

HIOWAA Community and CorporateFundraiser James King told us...

Serhan, Ian and I have set ourselvesquite a goal, but we’re going to have funachieving it and we’re doing it for acause that is very close to my heart.’

The Trio have started theirtraining and can be frequentlyseen at The Gym inSouthampton, practising theirincline walking.

... ‘As soon as I took on thechallenge of organising theHIOWAA Kilimanjaro trek, I knew that I wanted to takepart myself.

This year we’ve decidedto add a little twist toour annual fun run ...

...Run For It!, in the form of an optionalfancy dress theme. We’re asking runnersto come dressed as members of theEmergency Services and anything goes,from paramedic to policeman, doctor,nurse or fireman. Not only that, but forthose who fancy more of a challenge,we’ve decided to include a new HalfMarathon distance (22.68km).

Get dressed up and get ready to

Run For It! will take place at ThruxtonCircuit, Andover on Sunday 14thSeptember, and as in previous years, youcan choose to raise money for anycharity, but all of your entry fee will goto HIOWAA.

... and you can do it at a pace that suitsyou. So whether you decide to run, jogor walk it, you really don’t have to besuper fit to take part.

Registration is now open on theHIOWAA website or you can contactJune Leatheam on 02380 333377 or june@hiow-airambulance.org.uk for more information.

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RUN FOR IT!

You can choose betweenrunning one lap of the circuit(3.793km) or six laps of thecircuit (22.68 km - halfmarathon distance)...

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HIOWAARUNNING FOR

We're big on running atHIOWAA and we have agreat running team herewho are ready tosupport you, should youdecide to run and raisemoney for us.

Or maybe you've already secured yourown place at a running event and you'dlike to use the opportunity to raisemoney for HIOWAA.

We already have runners who havesigned up to raise money for us at theBasingstoke Phillips Half Marathon onSunday 5th October. Known for thefriendly welcome, traffic free roads andchallenging course, this is a 'must do' racefor 2014 and it's not too soon to starttraining now.

The BUPA Great South Run is afavourite with HIOWAA and we'll becheering you on again on 26th October as you run the flat and fast historic 10mile route, taking in the PortsmouthHistoric Dockyard and beautiful views ofthe Isle of Wight.

If you run for us, we'll be here to offersupport and advice both on the day andin the run up to your race - we even have HIOWAA running vests to make you feel part of the team. We want yourrun to be fun and rewarding and we want you to come back and challengeyourself again for us.

For further details, please contact: Alex Tredget on 02380 333377 or email alexandra@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

There are many running events that youcan choose from, whether you're tryingout your first 5k or you're a moreseasoned marathon runner - there isliterally no limit to what you can do tosupport HIOWAA.

Often we have charity places for saleat running events, and the BUPA London10,000 is a great place to start.

...and there is no minimum fundraisingtarget. What an exciting and rewardingway to raise money for HIOWAA and totake in the sights of London at the sametime. We have a limited number ofplaces available, so if you are interested,please email - alexandra@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

As I improved as a runner, I began toexplore more of Hampshire and fell inlove with the county. I continued tosteadily improve my endurance and runlonger distances and I began to take partin local races and marathons.

On the 23rd August 2014 I will betaking part in my first ultra-marathon, theIsle of Wight Challenge. This ultrainvolves running the entire 106km (65.8miles) length of the coastal path aroundthe Isle of Wight in under 16 hours. I amreally looking forward to this challenge asmy first ultra-marathon. I have decidedto support Hampshire and Isle of WightAir Ambulance as my chosen charitypartner. The work they do in saving livesacross the county is amazing and I amproud to be supporting a charity thatthose involved in outdoor pursuits canrely on in the event of a medicalemergency.

Their dedication to saving lives andthe fact that they rely solely on donationsto continue their work is a realmotivational factor for me.

If you would like to show yoursupport please visitwww.justgiving.com/Ulfa-Bennett

I first started to take runningseriously when my family andI moved to Hampshire backin 2008.

The race takes place onSunday 25th May and startsand finishes in St James' Park.Places are £28...

Ulfa BennettRuns an Ultra -Marathon

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1. Get fitted for running trainersWhen you first start running, any comfortable trainers will suffice but onceyou start putting in more miles it is worthinvesting in a pair of running shoes whichyou have fitted at a professional runningstore. This will not only make your runmore comfortable but also help reducethe chance of injury.

2. Set goalsThese should include short term achievable goals as well as bigger longterm goals. Write them down and displaythem somewhere you are likely to seeregularly. Short term goals can easily beincluded in your training plan. Ticking offweekly goals as you train is a greatsource of motivation.

3. Take it slowAs you improve it is easy to push a bitfurther than you should and this is wheninjuries normally occur. Build up yourmileage slowly and not more than 10%per week. I work in a four week cyclewhere I build up my mileage over threeweeks and then take it easier on thefourth week to recover before buildingup again over the next three weeks.

4. Be consistentIt’s better to do fewer training sessionsper week which you are able to sustainover a long period of time than to go outtoo hard, too soon. Training too oftenwhen you first start running can result inillness or injuries which may leave youout of action for weeks on end.

5. Get the support of yourfamily and close friendsRunning can be time consuming. It’s notjust the time you spend running but alsogetting ready, getting to your running location, showering after and recoverytime. So it is always a good idea to makesure you have the support of your closest family and friends before you embark on a training plan. You mighteven be able to encourage them tojoin you!

6. Run with friendsRunning with friends is a great way tocatch up and get fit at the same time.Running as a group is also a safer way toexplore trails and new areas. If youhaven’t yet convinced any of your friendsto join you, consider joining a local running group or club. Most clubs welcome runners of all abilities.

My top ten running tips for people looking to start training for a run this year.

By Ulfa Bennett

7. Get enough sleep and eat wellRunning does leave you feeling energisedbut you will need quality sleep as yourbody recovers from the extra stressesplaced on it. Your appetite will also increase as you start running more. Ahealthy, balanced diet will give you theextra energy you need to run as well asprovide all the nutrients you need to repair your body after a tough workout.Both sleep and good nutrition are vital in keeping you healthy and keepingillness and injury at bay.

8. Be flexibleThink of your training plan as more of atraining guide. Life still goes on aroundyou and you need to adapt your plan accordingly for unexpected life events. A few missed runs off a 12 week trainingplan will not cause any major problemson event day. (This is where being consistent really pays off.)

9. Don’t do anything on the day of the event that youhaven’t tried on a training runThis includes EVERYTHING – clothes,food, drinks, shoes, everything. Makesure you’ve trained in kit for variousweather conditions and if you’re travelling far to an event and stayingovernight the day before, pack differenttypes of kit. The weather has a habit ofchanging unexpectedly and you don’twant to wake up on the day of the eventexpecting a balmy spring day and it’s hailing outside!

10. Have fun!On the day of the event remember thatyou’ve already put in all the hard worktraining. Now it’s time to relax, soak upthe atmosphere and enjoy the run. Havefun and good luck.

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Now here’s a BankHoliday challenge that you won’t forget.

On the August Bank Holiday (23rd-24thAugust) supporters from far and widewill be taking part in the Isle of WightChallenge, an epic endurance challengearound the coastal path of the Isle ofWight.

This is a tough but rewardingchallenge for those who appreciatespectacular scenery and a great sense ofcamaraderie. Participants can choosebetween the full Island loop of 100km, orthe 56km ‘half’ Island challenge, taking inareas of outstanding natural beauty withspectacular coastlines, dramatic whitecliffs and sandy beaches. Most will walk

it at their own pace, some will jog bits ofit, and a few will even run the fulldistance ultra marathon style.

Ellie’s sister Evey was airlifted toSouthampton General Hospital byHIOWAA the night that she died on 24thAugust 2012. Evey was ten years oldwhen the car she was travelling in withher parents was hit by a driver who wastwo and a half times over the drink drivelimit. Thanks to HIOWAA, Evey’s familyhad the opportunity to say goodbye toher, something that they are eternallygrateful for.

A BANK HOLIDAYIOW Challenge to Remember

A true test of stamina anddetermination, the Isle of WightChallenge will require some resolutetraining, but those who sign up can besure of a great adventure, a truly uniquechallenge and the satisfaction that theyhave helped to raise money for a lifesaving service.

For further information, and to signup to The Isle of Wight Challenge, pleasevisit: www.isleofwightchallenge.com.

To donate to Ellie and Bethany’s JustGiving Page, please visit:www.justgiving.com/WalkforEvey

Ellie Staley and her cousinBethany Rimington Staleyhave a very personal reasonfor deciding to take on theIsle of Wight Challenge.

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An easy way to support our Air Ambulance.

To find your nearest Recycle Bin, click on ourwebsite and register your postcode

Recycling to Save Lives

For more information please visit:www.bagitup.org.uk

We accept:Clothes

UnderwearShoes

BlanketsSheetsTowels

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Unfortunately the event was called offdue to the weather conditions, so thefollowing day an excursion had beenorganised to go to The Needles in acouple of RIBs. There were 9 of us onour boat, including my husband, childrenand their partners and, not being a fan of‘white-knuckle’ rides, I opted for whatwas known as the ‘gin and tonic’ benchseat at the back of the boat. Shortly intothe journey the boat hit some particularlylarge waves and landed between twoswells. Ultimately this resulted in meleaving my seat and landing heavily, justas the back of the boat hit the water.

My husband called to the pilot of theRIB immediately, as I was in terrible painand instinctively unable to move. Thejourney back to Lymington Harbour wasslow and arduous, as every movement of the boat caused me pain; although myhusband supported my head and neck to alleviate as much of the movement as possible.

On our arrival at the harbour, the landambulance had not yet arrived – theservice was very busy and they wereunlikely to be able to get one to us forsome considerable time. At this point,the decision was made to contactHIOWAA.

It was August BankHoliday 2012 and myfamily and I were takingpart in a DragonboatChallenge to paddle toThe Needles in order toraise money for the RNLI.

Linda Bliss recalls the day that a boating excursionwent horribly wrong.

equipment to enable me to continue myrecovery at home.

I wore a spinal brace for four months,being unable to support myself whilstupright for the majority of this time.One of the most difficult things tomanage, other than the physical issues,was the isolation of being unable to getout of the house, or do much at all,independently.

Words cannot describe how I feelabout HIOWAA and what they did forme that day. The crew were absolutelyfantastic and I can’t praise them enough.Although the helicopter was noisy, theparamedic looking after me wascontinuously looking at me and talking tome, ensuring that I knew what washappening throughout the journey. I evenremember hearing my husband (whoholds PPL) having a conversation withthe pilot about his incredible ‘take-off’from such a precarious place. I ameternally grateful to HIOWAA and proudto have been one of their ‘clients’.

I believe it took just 7 minutes for theAir Ambulance to arrive … I rememberhearing it. It landed directly on theharbour, in amongst the telephone lines,boats and tourists (many of whom hadcome to watch!). By this time, not onlywas I still in pain, but I had gone intoshock, and my family were obviouslyvery scared. Obviously we don’t knowhow long it would have taken for theland ambulance to arrive, but I can’teven begin to contemplate what effectthe prolonged motion of the boat and, in particular, the road trip to thehospital, would have had on my injury.

The paramedics expertly and swiftlytook control of the situation by settingup a drip, putting on a neck brace andgetting me onto a stretcher. Theyplanned my removal from the boat tominimise movement and encouragedmembers of my family to assist; with mydaughter holding the drip bag and myhusband and son helping to carry thestretcher to the helicopter.

Once in Southampton General it wasdiagnosed that I had a double wedgefracture of the spine. I spent 10 days inSouthampton General and then 4 days ina local hospital before being discharged,with the Occupational Therapy serviceensuring that we had the correct

Linda Bliss with her husband, children, and their partners. The month following her accident, Linda shouldhave been submitting her final module to the Open University to complete her degree. This wasn't somethingshe was able to do; but she did finally get it finished last April having focussed on it during her recovery. Thephoto was taken at her graduation.

During this time, I understandthat the harbour master hadtaken steps to delay the IOWferry to help reduce the effectof the waves on the boat.

This was followed by severalmonths of physiotherapy but I am pleased to say that, aspredicted, I am fully recovered18 months on.

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The Direct Debit Guarantee

Bank/Building Society Account Number

Branch Sort Code

£4.34 monthly

£13 quarterly

£26 six monthly

£52 yearly

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AND HELP THE AIR AMBULANCE

JOIN OUR WEEKLY LOTTERY

£8.68 monthly

£26 quarterly

£52 six monthly

£104 yearly

Service User Number

Name

Address

Postcode

Tel

Email

This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance willnotify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Hampshire and Isleof Wight Air Ambulance to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance or your bank or buildingsociety you are entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society - if you receive a refund you are notentitled to, you must pay it back when Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance asks you to.You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may berequired. Please also notify us.

Flight for Life Lottery

Lottery enquiries: 023 8005 7722

- -

Hampshire and Isle of Wight AirAmbulance Lottery Office5 Mallard Buildings, Station RoadNew Milton, Hampshire BH25 6HY

Please fill in the whole form except theboxes marked ‘Office Use Only’ using a ballpoint pen and send it to:

This is not part of the instruction toyour Bank or Building Society

Please tick one box to select payment type:Single Membership Double Membership(One Ticket) (Two Tickets)

Preferred Start Date (if any)(You will be notified in writing, before thefirst payment is taken).

Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

Name & full postal address of your Bank or Building Society

To the Manager

Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode

Signature(s)

Date

Reference (Ticket Number) Second Ticket

Office Use OnlyOffice Use Only

Instructions to your bank or building society.Please pay Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Lottery, Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction, subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with the Hampshireand Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Lottery, and if so, details will bepassed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Instruction to your Bank or BuildingSociety to pay by Direct Debit

6 9 9 9 7 0

Please complete the whole form including this section

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You may have seen our brightyellow collecting pots in

restaurants, on the bar in your localpub, in shops and offices. Thesepots bring in much needed funds to help support the work of the

Air Ambulance.

If you would like one or more ofthese pots on your premises, or

would like other ideas of how yourcompany can help support us,

please contact:

HIOWAA on 02380 333377 orenquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

BUSINESSES -Can You Help?

Does the idea of jumping out of an aircraftat 1200 feet appeal to you? How about

cycling from London to Paris, or Lands Endto John O’Groats? Perhaps a Volcano andIce Cap Trek in Iceland or a climb to thetop of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

All of these fantastic adventures, and many morebesides, are available to those of you who fancy achallenge whilst raising much needed funds forHampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Why not put yourself to the test for a most worthy cause.

Contact HIOWAA on 02380 333377 or enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

C A L L I N G A L L

A d r e n a l i n eS e e k e r s

The strength of every charity lies with its volunteers, andHampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is no different. Ourvolunteers play a vital part in the organisation of the charity and

they are our link with the local community.

We are seeking volunteers with a range of skills, throughoutHampshire and the Isle of Wight. If you would like to join the teamand get involved in the work of the Air Ambulance please contact:

We Need You!VOLUNTEERS

. . .

Kirsty Watts on kirsty@hiow-airambulance.org.uk or 02380 333377

Kirsty Watts on kirsty@hiow-airambulance.org.uk or 02380 333377

the sea on holiday and this took a turnfor the obsessive when I discovered theScilly Isles in the mid-70s and became aregular annual visitor. The water here isalways cold – around 14 -15C - soregular swimming required developing acertain degree of resilience. It became amatter of pride to swim every daywhatever the weather! Although I wouldadd that swims were usually short –“round that boat and back” being theusual challenge!

Living in SW London since the early70s I knew about Tooting Bec lido andwould usually visit once or twice a yearin a really hot spell. Somewhere aroundthe turn of the century I startedswimming there regularly with a friend.

One thing led to another and before Iknew it I was competing in the WorldWinter Swimming Championships, heldat the lido in 2008 for the first time

For those of us whostruggle to completea few lengths of ourlocal pool, the idea ofswimming a relayrace around the Isleof Wight might be adaunting one.

Making a splash for HIOWAA

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Yet this is the challenge that four bravewomen who make up the ‘Ladies WotSwim’ team will be undertaking thissummer in order to raise money forHIOWAA.

The team have two tide opportunitiesto complete their swim, one in Augustand one in September. They have startedtheir training, and they are currentlyswimming extraordinarily long distancesin the sea every week. Time is at apremium.

If you would like to sponsor theiramazing challenge, you can do so at:www.justgiving.com/ladieswotswim

Meet Ann Brimelow,one of the membersof ‘Ladies Wot Swim’.I learned to swim at the age of 11 at

the Aldershot Command Baths, justalong the road from Farnborough, whereI grew up. The teacher, Tom Kennedy,was a Sgt Major in the Army, who as wellas teaching hundreds of children to swim,had also coached the GB team for theWorld Championships. I have alwaysbeen grateful to him for a) teaching meto swim the basic strokes well andconfidently, and b) for instilling a love ofswimming that has lasted me all my life.

However, for years, swimming for mewas a visit maybe once a week to a localpool to swim around 30 lengths –originally all breast stroke but eventuallyprogressing to alternate breast strokeand front crawl. This was always in anindoor pool. I also enjoyed swimming in

outside Finland where they wereinvented! Since then I have also been toWWSC events in Slovenia and Latvia. InMarch this year we are off to Lapland!

Now an enthusiastic member of theSouth London Swimming Club, myswimming life took off. It has become avehicle for seeing the world. Swimminghas taken me to places like Croatia,Turkey, Italy and Montenegro in Europe,and as far as Rio in Brazil. Nearer tohome I have swum in Southern Ireland,the Lake District and the Hebrides. I have loved doing iconic swims like theHellespont, the Straits of Messina andacross Copacabana Bay. Two years ago I trained to do a channel relay and metChris. It was that connection which ledto the invitation to join the Ladies WotSwim team for this challenge. My firstreaction was I could never do it. I don’thave a lot of distance swimming behindme – 3k at a time suits me. For somereason the others thought differently anda combination of their confidence and anin built difficulty in resisting a challenge (I put this down to trying to match theexploits of 3 brothers as a child) has leftme unable to turn down the offer!

We got hooked on outdoorswimming and after a coupleof years of retreating indoorsfor winter, challengedourselves to try and swimthrough the winter.

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Calling our younger readers!

Can you‘Pick Out Pat’?

On leaving school, I decided to follow inDad’s footsteps. A trip to the RoyalNavy Recruiting Office in Bristol foundme at HMS St Vincent training depot,three days after my sixteenth birthday,and so it was to be for the next thirtyyears. I passed out as Naval AircraftEngineering Mechanic. I have always hadan interest in aviation, started at the ageof nine or ten, when a front seat trip in a flying club Auster had me hooked forlife. As a teenager in the UK, my sparetime was spent helping with themaintenance of historic aircraft, Spitfire,various German fighter types and NevillDuke’s record breaking Hunter, to name a few.

Early years in the Fleet Air Arm werespent with the Royal Marines in theCommando World, Wessex Helicoptersin the jungles of Malaya – these werevery good days! I also spent time at seain Aviation support ships and shore timeat Portland Dorset. At the age of twentythree, I married the girl I had knownsince I was fourteen, a daughter and sonfollowed, along with a house inDorchester, Dorset.

Next thing I knew, I was on HMSEndurance, the ice patrol ship operatingin the Antarctic and the Falkland Islands,with a certain Argentine General feelingrather full of himself. Interesting daysfollowed. After more trips to SouthAmerica and the Persian Gulf, I appliedfor redundancy and left the Navy fiveweeks short of thirty years. I spent thenext three years in glorious sunshine,servicing the Sultan of Oman’shelicopters. My wife and children allcame out for holidays, driving around

My father was in theRoyal Air Force, whichmeant the familymoved around theworld during the1950s, eventuallyreturning to the UK to settle in Wiltshire.

Meet Julian Kingshott,

the desert and mountains in the LandRover I bought in Muscat and still own tothis day. The Empty Quarter is the mostwonderful desert, solitude and uttersilence. I also had some interesting timestracking Leopard in the Jebel, and oncecame face to face with a large dog hyena.

On my return to England, I startedwith Bond Helicopters in Aberdeen,quite a change from Oman!

It was not to last, decreasing oilrevenue resulted in the termination ofmy contract and we returned to Englandfor a new start, still with Bond, but nowwith the Air Ambulance operation. Westarted in the East Midlands and thenmoved to Carnarfon in North Wales fortwo years. Eventually I came toThruxton and the Hampshire and Isle ofWight operation, where I have been eversince. I’ve been in my current job forover five years now - I’ve never been inone place for so long so I must be getting something right at last. So there it is, forty seven years of undetectedcrime gone in a flash, and still time for a little more!

What does my job entail?I look after all the day to day aspects ofrunning the Hampshire Aircraft. I haveother aircraft to look out for, but I spenda large amount of my time at Thruxton.I have to comply with ServiceInstructions which are issued both by the Manufacturer and the regulatingauthorities. All this has to bedocumented and recorded in accordancewith even more regulations. Spare parts,oils and other lubricants have to beordered, accounted for and stored in theapproved manner. When that is all donethere is an endless stream ofamendments to the servicing manuals -these run to around twenty volumes!The aircraft is inspected every day, a

visual inspection by opening all panelsand having a really good look around - I consider this to be one of the most vitalinspections we carry out. Faults are oftennoticed at this point, before they becomea problem. I do, of course, have thesupport of the Company with additionalmanpower in the event of more in depthservicing for example, when duplicatechecks are required on engine or flyingcontrols. We also have to keep theaircraft clean due to the nature of thetask. The engines are internally washedevery day - Hampshire has quite a dustyand salty atmosphere, and this will effectthe performance if not kept undercontrol. I normally finish my day three to four hours after the aircraft has comeoff task.

A move within Bond foundme and my wife living in theShetland Islands, Sullom Voeto be exact, where we had awonderful quality of life,watching otters, seals andwhales from our loungewindow.

Our favourite HIOWAA mascot, Pat theParamedic, has been hidden throughoutthe pages of the magazine. He appearson several pages, and on some pages he has been better hidden than others.Can you find him yourself ? There are nine!

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I left my house and started up the hilloutside my house. Immediately I noticedthe grinding sound of a lorry in first gearbehind me. I climbed the hill aware thatthe lorry driver was patiently followingme, waiting for a safe moment to pass.At the brow of the hill I pulled over, forsome unknown reason, on the righthand. Here the road was banked, and as

Max Rollitt tells us about how he ended up under a lorryand HIOWAA saved his life.

the lorry passed I unclipped my footfrom the right hand pedal, intending tocome to rest on my right foot. However,I had underestimated the banking andfound myself losing my balance andfalling to the left. I fell under the lorry,the driver saw me falling andimmediately stopped. He stopped, butthe back wheel was crushing my pelvis.The driver backed off.

It turned out that the driver was Mikefrom MPM waste who empties ourseptic tank. That’s a very heavy lorry andfortunately, thanks to his careful driving,he had stopped before the wheel wentover me. If it had gone any further, I wasa goner. He got out of the cab, I wasscreaming in pain. He immediately calledfor an ambulance, I then was able to tellhim my home number and I heard himtalking to my wife. To be honesteverything then went into a blur. Mywife ran up the hill, the ambulancearrived and then shortly afterwards theAir Ambulance. All of this seemed prettyimmediate. I was conscious through all of this until a doctor apparently gave mea Ketamin injection and then I lostconsciousness. According to my wife, the doctor said that at some point I hadno pulse.

I was now unconscious and the nextthing I was aware of was waking up inQueen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth,several hours later. I don’t know whatwould have happened if the AirAmbulance had not arrived, would Ihave been dead by then? Which hospitalwould I have arrived at?

There was lots of internal bleeding,but fortunately no organ damage. I spent

As part of my trainingfor the Hampshire hillyhundred cycling sportive,I started out on mymorning ride.

It turned out that my femurhad been driven through myhip joint. My pelvis wasbroken in several otherplaces and all the ligamentsthat held my pelvis to myspine had been ripped.

one week in Portsmouth before beingtransported, very uncomfortably, toBasingstoke where I was put in thehands of a specialist surgeon, Mr Rositor,a genius in the pelvis area. He eventuallypinned, plated and screwed me backtogether. All in all I was only three weeksin hospital, which looking back at, seemsridiculously short. The NHS hospital staffwere amazing, the aftercare appalling.Fortunately I had my wonderful wife andthe Pinder centre to look after andsupport me. I was then home for threemonths, getting hydro therapy andphysio at the Pinder centre in Avington.

He said, “If I had said two years, youwould have been really cross”. He wasright. I continued to make a steadyrecovery and still am. I am wonky andstiff, but pilates and cycling have beenthe secret to my recovery. I can’t run orwalk long distances, but I can cycle fasterthan ever.

The Air Ambulance saved my life. Inthis country we take services like this forgranted because we assume that theyare part of the national infrastructure. It isn’t so it needs our support. Last yearmy son aged 9 walked half of the SouthDowns way and raised £840 for the AirAmbulance. This year he wants to do thewhole thing. We all need to do our bit tosupport this precious service.

Mr Rositor said as I lay in mybed in hospital that it wouldtake me a year to recover, Iwas mortified. After a year I went back to him and said, “Is that it?”

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Leaving a gift in your will is one of thebest ways to help us and is tax efficientfor you too. It makes a difference, oftenlife changing, to the hundreds of peoplein Hampshire and the Isle of Wight everyyear who need us in an emergency.

“I shall never forget the daythe helicopter came to helpmy grandson after a very nastybicycle fall. We were sopleased to see them so quicklyand the way they took controlwas just wonderful and soreassuring. I couldn’t thankthem enough. I want to helpHIOWAA and make sure theyare always there when peopleare in urgent need of them as we were that day. For me a legacy is the best way to do this”.Mrs Sue Marriott, Chilton Candover,Alresford.

with a legacy?Could you help us

E V E N T S

. . . . .S P R I N G

Whatever and wherever the emergency,we can be there quickly – from a trafficaccident to a heart attack at home, asporting injury to a workplace accident.

If you are able to support us in thisway you will be making a real differenceand helping ensure that we are there forgenerations to come when they need us most.

You will need to give your solicitorour charity number 1106234 to avoidany possible confusion with any othercharities.

Do consider telling us if you decide toremember us in this way – yourinformation is strictly confidential but itgives us a very welcome opportunity tothank you in your lifetime

Town Centre Collection. Sat, 3.5.14,8.00am - 6.00pm. The Malls ShoppingCentre, Basingstoke, RG212 5NE

Mayoral Charity Grand BallSat, 3.5.14, 7.00pm - Midnight.The Officer’s Mess, Army Headquarters,Monxton Road, Andover, SP11 8HJ.Sparkling drinks reception, four coursedinner, dancing to Big Band NationalChampions and The Michelmersh Band.Dress: Black Tie/Ball Gowns. Tickets £60 from sharongoodridge@testvalley.gov.uk or call 01263 368022.

Bransgore Fun Day. Mon, 5.5.14. Bransgore Village Hall, 116 Burley Road,Bransgore, BH23 8AY.A traditional village fun day.

Awbridge Village Fete, Sat, 10.5.14.A traditional village fete.Awbridge Village Hall, Romsey Road,Awbridge, Romsey, SO51 0HG

Insurance Institute of SouthamptonSpring Fashion Event. Sat, 10.5.14St Mary's Stadium, Britannia Road,Southampton, SO14 5FP.The Insurance Institute of Southampton is holding a Spring Fashion Event. A treatfor the ladies, and a chance forgentlemen to treat their ladies to a funafternoon. The show will include popularHigh Street names and designer labels,with a chance to purchase at discountedprices after the show. The afternoon willinclude refreshments and a raffle and allproceeds will be shared by Naomi Houseand HIOWAA. To book your tickets please email -dilys.gale@stride-group.co.uk

...by outgoing Captain, George Clelland,for £9350.00. George chose to supportHIOWAA during his Captaincy and wasably assisted by Jane Scott – LadiesCaptain for 2013, and Pete Dowse – VetsCaptain for 2013 (pictured).

Another Alresford Golf Club member,James Stewart, did a tandem skydive forHIOWAA in September, in support ofGeorge’s appeal, and raised £560.Many thanks to everyone at AlresfordGolf Club for generously supportingGeorge in raising such a fantastic amountof money for HIOWAA. It really is greatly appreciated.

In December, Community and CorporateFundraiser June Leatheam was presented with a cheque by Alresford Golf Club...

L-R June Leatheam, George Clelland, Jane Scottand Pete Dowse

We do all this without fundingfrom the Government or theNational Lottery. This is whylegacies are so very importantto us.

For Rates information or general enquiries call:

Cliff Bryantm. 077 9878 5809 or e: bryantc@btconnect.com

Helimed56

Want toAdvertise in

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HIOWAAWhitchurch Silk Mill Design and Weave Unique Silk for

HIOWAA have beenworking in collaborationwith the Whitchurch SilkMill, a 19th Centurywater mill that weavesEnglish silk fabric using19th century machinery.

Whitchurch Silk Mill has beencommissioned to design and weave a silksuitable for giftware to promote andraise money for HIOWAA. Using theiconic green and yellow of the HIOWAAlogo, placement student EmmaSimmonds designed a pattern, andproduction on the silk started in January.In the photographs below you can seehow the warp has been woundsuccessfully onto a beam, ready to be

woven out. The silk will be unique toHIOWAA and will measure 18 incheswide and will have 850 single ends of silk.

All monies raised from the sale of thegiftware will be used to help keep theAir Ambulance flying and saving livesacross Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

One of the first items to beproduced will be a handbagmirror compact, woven ingreen and yellow HIOWAAsilk, and available forsupporters to purchase thissummer.

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HIOWAAWhitchurch Silk Mill Design and Weave Unique Silk for

‘BAG A BRA’and Help Save a Life

... in order to raise vital funds to keepthe Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.Now in its fifth year, this highlight of theHIOWAA fundraising calendar takesplace in May every year and generates asignificant amount of donated bras,whilst raising awareness for the charity’son going recycling campaign.

All donated bras are collected by BagIt Up Ltd, our recycling partner, andshipped to West Africa for resale ataffordable prices by street traders. Beingable to wear a bra gives women statusand helps to improve their self esteem;two very emotive reasons for donatingan unwanted bra or two.

Details of the location of recyclingbanks throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found on ourwebsite. Alternatively, anyone wantingfurther information, or a pink recyclingbag should ring the office on 023 8033 3377.

So if you are having a Spring clear out,then please remember not to bin yourunwanted bras, and any other textiles orfoot wear – they may have faded and nolonger appeal, but for someone they willbe the perfect fit. The recycling oftextiles is our second largest singlesource of income and all monies raisedfrom the donation of unwanted bras,shoes and textiles will help to keep theAir Ambulance flying and saving lives.

Our annual Bag A Braday will take place thisyear on 22nd May andwe are asking supportersto save any unwantedbras for recycling...

Unwanted bras can becollected in one of our specialpink ‘Bag a Bra’ bags andthen placed in a charity textilerecycling bank (pictured).

We know there is a lot of choice when itcomes to taking your unwanted clothingto be recycled, but Hampshire and Isle ofWight Air Ambulance would like toremind you to choose the yellow clothingbanks when it comes to discarding yourold garments and support your local Air Ambulance.

Choose the yellow clothing banks when recyclingyour clothes

Hampshire and Isle of Wight AirAmbulance works with recycling partnerBag It Up Ltd who collect unwantedshoes and textiles and then convertthem into money for the Air Ambulance.We can even make use of old worn-outshoes and garments which are damaged.Simply bag them up and then put themin the charity’s yellow textile banksacross the county.

We have been working with Bag It UpLtd on increasing the number of textilebank locations to ensure that peoplehave more chance of using our recyclingbanks rather than other banks that areavailable. There are locations all acrossthe county and recently they have added the following new banks:

Inkinit - Basingstoke Chineham ChurchWightlink Ferry car park, GunwharfQuays, PortsmouthBotley MillSandy Balls, FordingbridgeTesco Winnall, WinchesterIBM - Portsmouth

Send your images to:caroline@hiow-airambulance.org.uk or upload to our Facebook page

Here are some of the imageswe have already received….

We love receiving photosof the Air Ambulance inaction as people are outand about with theircameras on hand. If yousee Helimed56 anywherein the county, pleasedon’t hesitate to snapaway and capture it in all its glory!

Photos

Steve Jones

Helen Wall

Alex Band

Alex Band

Norman Buswell

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Photos published will be automaticallyentered into our Readers’ PhotoCompetition. The winner of the bestphoto printed over the next four issueswill have the opportunity to visit ourAirbase in Thruxton. The winner will benotified by email and all arrangements tovisit the Airbase will arranged throughHIOWAA Head Office.

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Over the last four issues of Helimed56 we havebeen running a Readers’Photo Competition forthe best photo sent into us.

Samantha Yeates

Gavin Moulds

Sarah McGinty

We would like to congratulate PhilSouthgate, who supplied this fantasticphoto of our helicopter, and we wouldlike to thank all of those who sent theirphotos to us.

Phil Southgate will be invited toThruxton with friends or family to meetthe crew and to have a closer look at thehelicopter.

We have a Winner!

24

I was out walking my dog when I spotteda kind neighbour ahead, and because Ifelt that I couldn't cope with chattingnormally to her at the time, I decided tochange my route at the last second, and I went to cross the road at the crossing.

I remember looking at oncomingtraffic on the opposite side of the roadand, thinking that my side was clear, Istepped into the road. I felt and heard a massive blow to the back of my head.The next thing I knew I was on theground, not knowing what hadhappened.

Within seconds, someone was besideme, reassuring me I that was alright andexplaining that I'd been hit by a bus andthat an ambulance was on its way. I wasworried about my dog, who had boltedat the scene, and who thankfully wasfound a few hours later. I was alsoconcerned that my parents, who weredue at my house that morning, woulddrive past at any moment and see melying on the road.

The paramedics arrived and betweenthem, they supported and helped me getthrough a traumatic time. They were socalm, and had such empathy that it wastruly humbling.

...doesn’t your mother tell you that youshould always ‘match’, in case you get hitby a bus?

Because I had a head injury, andbecause of the damage I had done to thewindscreen, the paramedics explainedthat they had called for the AirAmbulance. I felt reassured andcomforted by them, and I wasn't asfrightened as I could have been. The AirAmbulance landed nearby and the HEMSteam arrived... this is where it becomesa bit blurred. There was a hive ofactivity, and I remember having a lot ofpain from my neck and back. I was neckbraced and put on board so that theycould stabilise me.

I was assessed by the team, who weretruly amazing and professional, and adecision was made to take me tohospital by land ambulance. X rays andscans showed that I had broken ribs, ahead injury and laceration to my elbow.I was taken to the high care unit andthen to the ward for over nightobservation. One of the most emotionalthings was seeing my family, and theworry in their eyes – it was then that I realised how serious my accident had been.

My accident has taught me toconcentrate only on the good andpositives, my family and friends, andnever to allow stress to consume meagain. This has opened my heart up tosome very special people in my life, andthis is why I now volunteer forHIOWAA. I really want to givesomething back and to show myappreciation for the great work that they do.

At the time of myaccident, I had beenunder immense pressureand all consuming stressfor personal reasons.

Gill Morris

Not really grasping theseriousness of what hadhappened, I joked with themabout my awful choice of nonmatching underwear...

Gill Morris and her daughter Georgia

An Autumn morning at Thruxton airbase – photo taken by Pat Andrews, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance paramedic.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

4 Kings Park Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AS

t. 023 8033 3377e. enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk

www.hiow-airambulance.org.ukCharity No. 1106234

Hampshire and Isle of Wight AirAmbulance would like to thank ourCorporate Sponsors for their

generosity, help and support in somany ways. Our sponsors include:

Our Corporate Sponsors

..........

AT Andover Trailers

Brijan Coach Tours

British Automobile Racing Club

Exxon Mobil

Freemasons Grand Charity

Hendy Group

Karin A Sennitt, CharteredAccountant and Tax Advisor

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Perks Catering

Powertraveller

Premier Underwriting

Skandia

South Midlands Communications

Southern Water

Stannah

TAG Farnborough

Thruxton Circuit

WightLink