On Sunday 28th September, 2025 our lives changed in a split second. Whilst out enjoying one of our regular weekend cycles, Neil collapsed from his bike, suffering from a heart attack. I didn’t know this at the time and initially thought he had winded himself and injured his shoulder. Within minutes he went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. By now a passing motorist had stopped to assist, so as she rang 999 I started CPR. Within 3 minutes of the Air Ambulance Team being alerted, they were on board the helicopter and heading our way. They arrived with us within 7 minutes, thanks to the skill of pilot George. By now, two more wonderful people had stopped to help, and they had taken over CPR.

Over the next 60 minutes Dr Maria and Matt gave Neil the life saving treatments and support he needed and they did not give up. Thankfully they managed to restart his heart. He had been 'gone' for over 70 minutes. Once they were happy he was stable enough to be moved, George flew them all to Bristol, a trip which can take over 40 minutes by road, but only 8 minutes by Air Ambulance. Neil was delivered safely into the care of the Heart Institute Team for further treatment. He spent another 8 days in ICU in a medically induced coma before being woken. A few days later he was moved onto a ward in the Heart Institute to continue his recovery, and finally discharged home on 20th October to continue his recuperation, not only for his heart but also a fractured collarbone and multiple fractured ribs.

Without the speed of their arrival, and their exceptional medical skills and knowledge, Neil would not be here today and for that I will be forever grateful. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting the team in December last year, to say thank you in person and to fill in some of the missing pieces from that day.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance provide critical medical care by land and air, across Wiltshire and Bath. 
Their mission is to give people the best chance of survival. This relies on highly trained critical care paramedics and doctors supported by specialist medical equipment. Speed is their superpower. From their airbase in Semington, the helicopter can reach anywhere in Wiltshire within 11 minutes and be in the centre of Bath in just four minutes.

As a charity, they can’t do this vital work without your support.

Your donation really does save lives.