A MOTOCROSS rider is backing a campaign to support the region’s air ambulance after meeting the crew that saved his life.
Scott Pohlman was competing at an event at Dean Moor Motocross Park, between Gilgarran and Lamplugh, on May 30 last year when the incident happened.
After losing control of his bike while ascending a jump, he then hit the floor at speed, sustaining substantial injuries to his foot, knee, shoulder and also major trauma injuries to his head.
Mr Pohlman, 19, from Maidenhead in Berkshire, was unconscious throughout the ordeal and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Now fully recovered, Mr Pohlman, due to start at Hartpury College this month, has met the doctor-led trauma team that saved his life.
Mr Pohlman said: “I wouldn’t be here if they weren’t on the scene so fast, and didn’t take care of me the way they did.
“I just owe my life to them, I can’t thank them enough.”
Now Mr Pohlman is encouraging people to get behind GNAAS during National Air Ambulance Week, which runs from September 19 to 25.
GNAAS is asking supporters to consider donating £3 a month through its regular text giving service by texting SAVELIVES to 70660.
John Pohlman, Scott’s father, is also backing the campaign. He completed the Great North Run earlier this month to raise money for the charity, which needs to raise £4.5m every year to survive.
He said: “GNAAS saved my son’s life. Thank god they got him to the RVI in Newcastle so quickly. I just wanted to come back and do something in return for an amazing service.”
Mandy Drake, head of fundraising for GNAAS, said: “We would like to thank Scott and his family for getting on board with National Air Ambulance Week.
“It’s great to see Scott doing so well since his accident, and supporting our charity.”
National Air Ambulance Week runs every year with the aim of increasing awareness and boosting the fundraising efforts of the UK’s air ambulance charities.
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