A MAN will take on a bike ride on the anniversary of his friend’s near-fatal accident in a tribute to the charity that saved her life.
Carl Lovett, 28, from Chester Street, Sunderland, will embark on a 140-mile bike ride to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
GNAAS flew to the aid of Mr Lovett’s friend, Frankie Pitt, who was involved in a horse riding accident near Carlisle in July last year.
Miss Pitt, from Seaburn, Sunderland, was 16-years-old at the time of the accident. She was thrown from her horse while show jumping and suffered serious head injuries.
GNAAS flew to the scene and stabilised the teenager before she was flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, one of the region’s major trauma centres.
Mr Lovett said: “The quick actions of the charity saved her life, managing to deliver her to Newcastle RVI which specialises in head injuries.
“The amazing service not only gave her the chance of a full recovery – but also gave her family the opportunity to see her mischievous smile again.”
Mr Lovett will cycle with a group of fundraising friends from Whitehaven in Cumbria to South Shields on July 12-13.
He has already raised £200 but hopes Miss Pitt’s story will inspire extra donations.
Mr Lovett said: “I hope people get behind the cause as much as they can. GNAAS is a service you don’t really know are there until you need them. They help support the North of England and are a credit to the region.”
Mandy Drake, head of fundraising GNAAS, said: “We’d like to thank Carl for his support and wish him the best of luck in his ride and fundraising. The Pitt family have already held fundraisers in aid of the charity and we’d like to thank everybody who has donated to the cause.
“Sadly, Frankie’s story is typical of the kind of work our aircraft do on an all too regular basis.
“Every penny donated goes straight to support our helicopters and their crews, so Carl’s efforts are very much appreciated.”
To donate to the challenge please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Carl-Lovett
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