Cadwell Park biker, Tony was travelling at speeds over one hundred miles an hour when he was involved in a horrific crash that left him fighting for his life. He credits the speed it took Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s critical care team to reach him played a crucial role in his survival.

In August 2012, Tony, from Stamford, was competing in a race at the popular Lincolnshire circuit when, traveling at speeds over one hundred miles per hour, he was involved in a horrific crash with another bike. As a result, he sustained suspected head injuries and experienced significant internal injuries when the other rider crashed over his ribcage.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance immediately flew its doctor-paramedic team to the scene and Tony was stabilised before the helicopter flew him straight to the Major Trauma Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary, a journey that took just 20 minutes compared to 1 hours and ten minutes by road ambulance.

Tony recalls the day: “The last thing I remember of that day was being called to the starting grid and told I was number two on the grid. All of that race and the rest of that day is gone.”

Tony woke up in hospital four days later having suffered two punctured lungs, several broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade, and nerve damage.

That was twelve years ago.  One year after the accident, Tony was able to get back on his Triumph motorbike to complete a circuit on the track at Silverstone. Today Tony is still riding bikes and works for a motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer. He hung up his racing leathers after the Cadwell Park accident, but he has since dabbled with commentating on races rather than competing in them.

He’s retained a connection with the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and remains grateful for what they did for him back in 2012.

“I first visited the base during my recovery in February 2013, where I met the paramedic and pilot who came to my aid, and I’ve been back on several occasions since.

“Whenever I pass the new headquarters, I smile at the progress Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has made and feel a real bond with them after what they did for me. If I see the helicopter flying around, I give it a little salute and send the patient my best wishes, as I know they will be in good hands.”