Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance receives £40,000 from Totton woman whose life the charity saved after she was struck by a car

A TOTTON woman ‘inches from death’ whose life was saved by the prompt action of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has donated £40,000 to the charity.

Steph Blake (26), suffered a severe head injury and urgently needed specialist critical care after being hit by a car while crossing the road near her home in 2018.

The air ambulance crew arrived at the scene within eight minutes of a 999 call and began treating Steph, inserting a cannula in her arm, giving her medicine to calm her and then sedated her, before she was put onto a ventilator.

She was then flown to hospital for further treatment and surgery.

Steph, who volunteers with the service at fundraisers and events to promote their work, has now donated £40,000 to the charity, which will fund 12 emergency missions.

She said: “I hold Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance so close to my heart – if the helicopter wasn’t dispatched, I wouldn’t be here today.

“We are all so lucky to have this charity with a phenomenal team.

“Before I got hit, I thought the helicopter was just the same as the road ambulance – it wasn’t until I was a patient that I understood how important this service was.

“It makes me happy that my donation will be used to save many more lives, just as past donations helped save my life.

“I can’t put into words how much admiration I hold for them. They will always be my heroes.”

Air ambulance CEO Richard Corbett said: “Steph’s contribution goes far beyond funding a further 12 missions – she is a constant reminder of why people’s support for our service is so crucial.

“Having a past patient who was inches from death attend events and represent our charity with a smile on her face is an inspiration to us all.

“Nobody knows when or if they’ll need an air ambulance, but thanks to Steph’s kindness and generosity, we can continue to be there for those who do.”

The lifesaving service, which relies on donations to keep operating, has responded to more than 1,500 call-outs so far this year.

As reported in the A&T, the charity recently celebrated its 12,000th mission since its first flight on 1st July 2007.

To donate visit www.hiowaa.org