A Darlington woman is cycling 60 miles to support the air ambulance service that saved her mother’s life after she was trampled on by her horse.
Saffron Rogers-Smith, 31, is taking part in the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s (GNAAS) cycling event, called The GYRO, on Sunday 13 July.
The non-competitive ride out offers three distances, which are 30, 60, and 90 miles, and they start and end at GNAAS’ headquarters near Eaglescliffe.
Saffron has signed up to the 60-mile ride which will take her through the scenic Yorkshire countryside on a circular route.
She is supporting GNAAS because her mother Melanie Rogers, 65, required their help back in 2016, when she suffered a stroke after being trampled on by her horse.
Melanie was horse riding with her daughter Anouska when her horse Bonnie was spooked by the prospect of walking through a river and threw her to the ground.
In her haste to get away, Bonnie stood straight on Melanie’s neck, damaging a carotid artery, which led to her suffering a stroke.
The critical care team from GNAAS flew to the scene of the incident, which happened near Tudhoe, County Durham, and treated Melanie before airlifting her to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough in just seven minutes.
Saffron said: “My mum underwent a long recovery, she still has some slight weakness on one side of her body but considering what she went through she is absolutely remarkable, and I am so proud of her.
“She truly is so lucky to be alive; me and my family owe that to GNAAS and are forever grateful.”
Melanie still enjoys horse riding, and the family have a pony called Pudsey who she regularly rides. She’s also discovered a passion for cycling and cycles at least 10 miles a few times a week.
Since the incident Melanie’s children have taken part in several fundraising events to support GNAAS, including running the Great North Run and swimming the English Channel.
The GYRO is the latest cycling challenge Saffron is undertaking after previously completing the Ride the Night London 100km cycling event in May.
She said: “GNAAS is a life-changing charity, without the prompt response and emergency care provided by them, the outcome could have been significantly different for my mum.
“Additionally I have witnessed their fantastic work in a professional capacity. I previously worked as a nurse within the Accident and Emergency department at James Cook University Hospital, a regional major trauma centre, and would regularly care for patients GNAAS had attended to. The vast array of people GNAAS provides emergency life-saving care to is outstanding and it is such a fantastic charity that positively impacts so many people’s lives.
“I am proud to be able to support such a wonderful charity and all the tremendous work GNAAS does.”
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