In December 2018, at only 19 years old, I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident without protective footwear. The accident left my foot so badly injured that, without immediate specialist care, I was told by the ambulance crew that they were running out of options and preparing to perform an amputation at the roadside.

In a race against the clock, the East Anglian Air Ambulance crew were able to skilfully land in an adjacent field and transport me to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where I underwent two emergency reconstructive surgeries on my left foot.

In a moment that changed my life forever, the incredibly talented surgeons at Addenbrooke's were able to save my foot and restore much of its function, narrowly avoiding amputation.

Given the severity of the injury, even almost eight years on, I am still on a lifelong journey of rehabilitation and restoring function to my left foot.

Three years ago, I discovered barefoot shoes, which have since accelerated my recovery and significantly improved my quality of life. They have changed the way I walk, strengthened my feet, and allowed me to accomplish things I never thought possible, including climbing Monte Vettore in Italy and previously walking the English Camino route, all in minimalist footwear.

My next challenge is to walk 270km over 12 consecutive days along the Portuguese Coastal Camino, starting in Porto, Portugal, and finishing in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

I will be pushing myself through the pain and discomfort of long days of walking in Vibram FiveFingers, a more iconic yet challenging minimalist shoe. Being able to take on a challenge like this is a gift from the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

My story is only one of many, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance is a charity that relies almost entirely on public donations, as they receive no regular government funding.

I am hoping to raise funds and awareness for the hard work of the people who keep this service alive and available to so many. Without them, I would not still be standing on two feet almost a decade later.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help support the incredible work of East Anglian Air Ambulance and give someone else the chance to go home and continue their own story.