Houghton dad's gift for air ambulance life-savers

A Houghton biker has repaid the rescuers who plucked him to safety from a remote forest.
Paul Parker with Dr Jo PatersonPaul Parker with Dr Jo Paterson
Paul Parker with Dr Jo Paterson

Dad-of-one Paul Parker raised cash to thank the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) which came to his aid in January when he was seriously hurt while out riding in Slaley Forest in Northumberland.

The 42-year-old was biking with two friends when he came off the road on a tight bend in the forest and veered into a grassed area.

The Great North Air Ambulance at the scene of Paul Parker's accidentThe Great North Air Ambulance at the scene of Paul Parker's accident
The Great North Air Ambulance at the scene of Paul Parker's accident
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The collision left him unable to move as he had sustained a fractured pelvis. North East Ambulance Service paramedics called for help from the GNAAS team who flew Paul to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary within 19 minutes. He spent 11 days in hospital.

Paul visited the charity’s airbase in Langwathby, Cumbria, along with wife Julie and daughter Aimee to hand over £930 in gratitude and personally thank GNAAS doctor Jo Paterson who was at the scene of the crash.

Paul, an offshore electrical supervisor fro Shell, raised the money with a 25.6 mile charity cycle from Slaley Forest back to the RVI. He was joined by friends and colleagues, and received donations from the Shell Charity Committee Fund as well as friends and family.

"I just wanted to thank the service for coming to my aid. Without it, there are many people who may not be here," he said.

Paul Parker and daughter Aimee with pilot Owen McTeggart, Dr Jo Paterson and paramedic Terry SharpePaul Parker and daughter Aimee with pilot Owen McTeggart, Dr Jo Paterson and paramedic Terry Sharpe
Paul Parker and daughter Aimee with pilot Owen McTeggart, Dr Jo Paterson and paramedic Terry Sharpe
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Everyone involved with my care that day and to date have been exceptional.

"GNAAS are worth their weight in gold. It is a brilliant and crucial service."

Daughter Aimee, 11, added: “I’m just so happy they came to rescue my dad."

To find out how you can help GNAAS this Christmas, visit gnaas.com/festive-fundraising