At 39-years-old Charlotte suffered a broken leg and elbow when she, as a pillion, and her partner, Marc, were involved in the accident in the Midlands in June 2014. Riding regularly was a big part of an active lifestyle she enjoyed that also included swimming and ice skating as well as spending time with her family.

 

She had been preparing to start a new job the following day when the pair set out on their motorbike on a sunny afternoon and travelled down the Pennine Way, in Tamworth to meet her younger brother. Suddenly, after missing its turning, the car travelling in front performed an emergency stop. As the road surface was very badly broken, the wheels of the bike weren’t able to grip. As the bike started to snake badly, Charlotte was thrown into the air before landing in the road.

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The Midlands Air Ambulance helicopter from the Tatenhill Airbase was dispatched to the scene, with two paramedics on-board. Charlotte recalled. “There was a lot going on at the scene and as well as being in a lot of pain I felt very sick.

 

“I remember the paramedic introducing himself to me. He and the rest of the aircrew played a vital part on the day as they got me to hospital so quickly. They worked really well with the land ambulance, explained everything to me and were really comforting and patient, and warned me it might be a little noisy.”

 

As Charlotte was experiencing such extreme pain, the aircrew were able to administer advanced relief at the roadside before she stabilised and was then airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

 

Charlotte admits the incident had a massive impact on her life. She added: “I had never been to hospital before and had to stay for a week, undergoing scans and a session in theatre.

 

“Even now I still cannot walk properly or do certain things, and I do find it quite frustrating sometimes.”

 

However, she was still determined to meet the aircrew who helped her when she needed it most to offer her appreciation and, after travelling to Tatenhill and spending time with the team, she added: “I met up with them just because I wanted to thank them for what the aircrew, and all of the emergency services, did for me that day.

 

“I had already known that a lot of bikers are airlifted by Midlands Air Ambulance but I can now say from experience that they do fantastic work and help save a lot of lives.”