'˜Air ambulance played big part in saving my two-year-old son's life', says Rushden mum

The emergency services were called on January 19 when Jemma France’s son, Drake, aged 2, fell from a wall in Radwell, Bedfordshire. Magpas Doctor Ali Hieatt and Paramedic Chris Hawkins flew to the scene to treat Drake who had sustained a serious head injury.

They anaesthetised Drake at the scene, a procedure which is usually only done in hospital. He was then flown via the air ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he spent a month recovering.

Jemma, from Rushden, said: “Magpas Air Ambulance played a big part in saving my son’s life. As a result of the fall he had three fractures to the skull, swelling and a blood clot on the brain.

“Drake spent five days in a induced coma and has had to learn to walk and talk again. His recovery has been amazing and he has shown how strong he is.”

As a thank you, Jemma and her close friend Joanna Connolly are organising a charity ball and silent auction on Saturday May 7 to raise money for Magpas Air Ambulance. The ball, to be held at The Millhouse Hotel in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, will include a three-course dinner, DJ, rodeo bull, and exciting raffle and auction prizes.

Jemma is encouraging local people to support the event and raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving work.

“As Magpas Air Ambulance and the other paramedics acted so fast to save Drake, I want to return something to them to show how grateful I am. I would love to sell as many tickets as possible to raise as much money for them as possible,” she said.

Tickets cost £35 and are limited on a first-come, first-serve basis. They can be purchased by emailing [email protected]