A HORSE rider had to call upon the services of the air ambulance she was raising money for when she took a serious fall at a charity event.
Pamela Brooks was cantering on her horse at Corbridge and District Riding Club in Northumberland when she fell and sustained a head injury and fracture to the neck on September 21.
The 70-year-old, of Melkridge, was treated at the scene by Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) medics before being flown to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. The flight took just 20 minutes.
Ms Brooks, former head of English at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, said: “I remember doing a light canter on my horse, The Bun, and thinking I was coming to a tight corner and then after that I woke up in a hospital bed. I know that I owe my health to those involved in the rescue operation.”
Annie Lees, a committee member at the riding club, said: “Our emergency plan swung into action and we cleared the field to make it safe for the air ambulance to land. It was such a short space of time that it took for the helicopter to arrive and a big relief when we heard its rotors. The team on-board were just fantastic and our club member is now on the mend.”
There were around 50 competitors taking part in the fundraiser that was raising money for GNAAS, which relies entirely on charitable donations.
Ms Lees said: “Here at the club, we understand the importance of the air ambulance and have always raised money for the service in case any of us were in need. This is the first time we’ve had to call on the air medics so hopefully we’ve already paid for our flight but we plan to do lots more fundraising besides.”
She added: “The body protector cut from Pam was repaired free of charge by local business, Airowear, based in Corbridge, so we’d like to send a big thank you to them.”
Claire Herworth, spokeswoman for GNAAS, said: “All riders at the event wore an emergency card on their arm with details such as next of kin and any medical conditions. We would encourage competitors at other similar events to follow this excellent example set by the club.”
The club already has fundraisers planned in aid of the charity including a clothing collection taking place in the next few weeks.
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