"If it wasn't for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, I would have lost my life"
The service, which runs completely on donations has launched their annual Christmas charity appeal
Last updated 10th Nov 2021
East Anglian Air Ambulance has launched their annual appeal for donations as part of their 'Gift of Life' program. At the centre of this year's appeal is Mark Drury's story.
Mark, from Stowmarket, suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night last September. His wife performed CPR on him while waiting for the East of England Ambulance team to arrive. Once the emergency services took over, and restarted his heart, Mark became extremely agitated and in a 'combative state'. It was then that the air ambulance team intervened.
In half-an-hour, an East Anglian Air Ambulance rapid response vehicle arrived at their home in West Suffolk. They sedated and quickly transported him to Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge where he received further specialist treatment.
"I'm in good health, I kept myself fit and yet, with no prior health conditions, my heart just stopped. And if it wasn't for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and their quick response. I would have lost my life", Mr. Drury said.
"This kind of emergency happens to people everyday, so its very important that we help keep the service running", he adds.
The service is run completely on charitable donations, and each of their operations costs around £3500. They are calling on people across East Anglia to help them give the 'Gift of Life' to those that might need their services. .
Donations can be made by either dedicating a star on their virtual Christmas tree or fund-raising for them by taking part in their Christmas decorations competition. They are also running two carol services in Bury St. Edmunds and Norwich, the proceeds from which will support their work. More information is available on their website.
Since the incident, Mr Drury has cycled 100 kilometres from his house to their headquarters in Cambridge and raised money for them. He plans on doing so this year as well. He says, “We have so much to look forward to in life and are incredibly grateful that we were able to get such fantastic emergency care when we needed it and urge everyone to consider supporting this Christmas appeal, to give others the gift of life that I’ve had. East Anglian Air Ambulance helped to make sure that I’m still here today, and for that, and to the people who have funded them over the years, I am eternally grateful. "
He is also encouraging people to learn how to give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. " My wife had just enough knowledge to do CPR and help me survive. My message to anybody out there is that if you train to do CPR, you can save people's lives and that is really important", he adds.