Ruth has more reason than most to be grateful to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. In the space of just 3 years, she has been airlifted to hospital by our Ambucopter following two separate incidents.

On 14^th June 2009, Ruth was jumping her horse in a field at her home near Grantham, Lincolnshire. When she was walking to leave the field, Ruth’s horse reared and lost balance. Before she knew it, Ruth was knocked over and her horse landed directly on top of her.

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance was called and they quickly arrived at the scene, where our highly-skilled crew assessed her injuries. As a result of the accident, Ruth suffered a broken pelvis in four places.

She was airlifted to Lincoln County Hospital in a matter of minutes, where she was treated by clinicians for her injuries.

Ruth recalls: “The crew were absolutely amazing and did everything they could to put me at ease. Needless to say, trying to move me with a broken pelvis was a bit of a challenge, so they definitely had their hands full!”

Just three years later, Ruth again had reason to thank the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance as she was involved in another horse-riding accident – just one week before her dream wedding!

On 22^nd October 2011, Ruth was riding in the very same field when she was knocked off her horse and landed on her feet. She was completely unaware that the momentum of the fall had caused her to break her femur as she hit the ground.

Ruth’s friend rushed to call an ambulance, whilst Ruth was left wondering how she was going to break the news to her other half!

Ruth needed the quickest and safest option to be transferred to hospital

Due to the location of the accident and the injuries she sustained, Ruth needed the quickest and safest option to be transferred to hospital – and that was by the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

Ruth was again airlifted by our helicopter to Lincoln County Hospital, reaching speeds of up to 160mph. She said: “The team did another incredible job of transporting me to hospital – the difference that the Air Ambulance makes when you have a serious injury and are in pain is outstanding!”

Once at Lincoln County Hospital, Ruth was assessed for her injuries. She is now the owner of a femoral rod, a pelvic plate, a bolt at the back of her pelvis and numerous bolts and screws.

Following her second airlift from the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, Ruth and her partner did eventually marry – although it was 6 months later than planned!

Whilst Ruth still rides, she can often find that walking any distance or on uneven ground can give her back pain. However, in the spirit of pushing herself, she will be taking on the Sublime Peterborough’s 10km Midsummer Run race in June 2019 to raise funds for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

She said: “I was never a natural runner, and my metalwork certainly hasn’t helped, but I’m determined to succeed!

Support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

“I have completed a few fundraising challenges to help support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance over the years, but this 10km run will definitely be the biggest one for me so far!”

Ruth added: “The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is an essential service we just couldn’t do without at critical times, and with my history, I feel that it’s only right to continue to support the team.”