Fundraising event for hero air service who saved rider
April 30, 2008
The family of a motocross champion who was airlifted to hospital, is holding a fundraising event to say thank you to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The Townshend family, of Botesdale, are hoping to boost the £620 they have already raised for the emergency service with a jumble sale in Rickinghall Village Hall on May 3.
Martin Townshend, 18, was competing at a motocross practice track at Blythburgh in September, when his bike flipped and he was thrown through the air. As he came off his bike, he landed on his head and was knocked unconscious. He was immediately airlifted by the air ambulance to the James Pagett Hospital at Gorleston, for a brain scan.
Fortunately, everything was all right and the family was able to bring him home five hours later. Luckily he had been wearing a neck brace which, he believes saved him from more serious injury, and the only after effects of his spectacular tumble was some bruising and amnesia. He still has no recollection of the crash or his helicopter flight.
His mother Sandie said: "He got to hospital within six minutes, whereas it took us 55 minutes by road. We were so lucky the air ambulance was available. I felt we were in the middle of nowhere and suddenly this helicopter swooped out of the sky and took him off to hospital, and it was all within what they call 'the golden hour' which is so important.
"This service is provided solely by charitable donations. Other people raised the money for us to use it, so it is the least we can do to raise some money for others. As soon as it happened I felt I couldn't sit back and the fundraising won't stop with the jumble sale."
Martin has been competing in motocross events for two years and already has two titles under his belt – the Norwich and District Schoolboy Championship and the Eastern Centre Schoolboy Championship. He also works in the sport as a motor mechanic at Southside Motocross.
His whole family is helping with the jumble sale – father Peter, 21-year-old sister Helen and brother Chris, 24, who also competes in motocross. Martin's godmother, Carol Amps has also been recruited to do the refreshments.
Mrs Townshend said: "We have been collecting and storing items for this since October, so we have the largest selection of bric-a-brac you have ever seen."
Anyone wishing to donate jumble should call Mrs Townshend, 01379 898282.
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