Michael runs for the helicopter heroes who saved his life

Three years ago Michael Amlin found himself trapped in a van for hours with a smashed leg – and he owes his life to the Great North Air Ambulance that airlifted him to hospital.

Michael’s leg was saved – and now he is planning to put it to good use to take part in the Start Fitness Redcar Half Marathon on 13 June, organized by Tees Valley Leisure, to raise money for the lifesaving charity.

He said: “If it weren’t for the Air Ambulance I wouldn’t be here – and now I’ve recovered enough, I want to not only raise money for them, but also help raise awareness of the amazing work they do and all the people they save every year.”

Michael was just having an ordinary day at work when he pulled out to cross the A19 and was hit by another car. The crash left him trapped by his leg for more than two and a half hours.

“My dad came down to the scene, and they actually asked him for permission to remove my leg to they could get me out, but he asked them to keep trying and they succeeded,” he said. “The fact that the Air Ambulance was on the scene with a doctor aboard made all the difference.”

Michael was in hospital for weeks, and it was six months before his badly-broken leg was healed enough for him to get back to work.

“In the years since, I’ve tried to do the Great North Run twice, but failed because I still have problems with my leg and knee,” he said. “This time, though, I’m confident of making the distance and raising as much money as possible for the charity.

“The Air Ambulance is something you never think about – until you need it. So I’d like people to be more aware of the fantastic work they do, and to help support them.”

Race organiser Paddy Corcoran, Managing Director of Tees Valley Leisure, said Michael’s story was inspirational.

“It is fantastic that Michael is back to full fitness to do this run, when he could have lost his life or his leg,” he said.

“The Air Ambulance is a superb charity, and is one of many good causes that people are raising funds for through the run – we wish them, and Michael, good luck with their race and their fundraising.

“We still have places available so if anyone fancies running for a good cause they should visit the official Redcar Half Marathon website at www.runteesvalley.co.uk to register their entry.  It’s a great event and the atmosphere is always terrific on the day.  

Thanks to the backing of specialist sports company Start Fitness; this year’s entrants will receive an exclusive high-performance T-shirt and a high-quality messenger bag, plus vouchers to spend at Tees Valley Leisure centres and prize money of more than £6,000 is up for grabs.

The event is sponsored by Redcar & Cleveland Council and supported by the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative and Hatton Traffic.

Ends

Editors Note: Entry fee: £17.50 for UK Athletics club runners, £19.50 for unaffiliated runners

Route: The 13.1 mile Redcar Half Marathon starts at the Stray in Redcar, runs along the Esplanade to the Trunk Road, turning at the Lackenby roundabout and back along the Esplanade to finish on the Stray.

Media contact: Sheila Chapman at Sheila Chapman PR on 07732827486 or email scpr@btopenworld.com   

 

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