A Year in the Life of Richard Fryer and the East Anglian Air Ambulance

Richards point of view

2012 got off to a good start for me; we partied until the early hours of New Year and nursed hangovers on New Years Day. January was a slow month until my wife Charlies birthday on the 22nd. All the way through January we had a small secret which kept a smile on our faces. Charlie was pregnant again. Charlies birthday was a nice but quiet affair. Unfortunately, I dont remember that, or the week before, because on the 23rd whist driving my son, Freddie, to school I was involved in a car crash with a speeding 7.5ton lorry. So, that was the last I saw of January, and most of February for that matter. As a result of my injuries, I was put into a medically induced coma until I could breathe for myself. Freddie was luckily more fortunate and sustained a broken leg and was taken to hospital straight away. This left poor Charlie to look after Eliza and our unborn child. She decided to give up her work as a tness instructor for mothers and babies, and move into my parents house. Charlie attended the 12 week scan with her mother and each day sat at my side until I woke. In my life I havent felt that I owe anyone, other than I am fortunate to be one of the lucky ones, I was treated by the highly skilled EAAA medical crew. They got to me so quickly and operated on me at the side of the road; they saved my life. They put me in a coma and inated both of my punctured lungs and then ew me to Addenbrookes Hospital. My injuries from the accident included around twenty fractured ribs, a broken neck and spine, a fractured pelvis, a fractured skull in two places, brain trauma, a broken wrist, loss of sight in my right eye, partial loss of hearing, both lungs punctured, a tear in the lining of my aorta, a splenectomy and a lacerated liver and kidney. Despite all that, after 6 weeks in the critical care ward I was moved to a regular ward. I spent another 10 days in Addenbrookes before being discharged. During this time Freddie and his mum wrote a short story to raise money for the EAAA, and so far have raised over 2,000. This prompted Charlies tness class to enter the Wimpole 10k Although I am still suffering with some of my injuries and going through a lot of physio, Freddie has made a full recovery. For all that the EAAA has done for me I, and many of my friends, have vowed that this will not be the end of our fundraising for the EAAA. I will always look for ways to show my gratitude. 2012 hasnt been an easy year, but Im still here to make the most of every other year. my parents, as much as I feel I owe the EAAA and staff at Addenbrookes. Without them and their amazingly fast and dedicated work I would not be here and would not have been around to witness the birth of my new daughter, Freddies 8th birthday and Elizas endless joy and energy. race, together they raised over 1,000. At the same time my tness buddy Steve Breen was training to run a marathon to raise money for me just in case I needed anything when I got out of hospital. As I didnt need anything we agreed to host a family fun day at a local pub to celebrate the end his run and to raise even more money. The fun day and run raised a further 3,500 for the EAAA.

...I am fortunate to be one of the lucky ones. As the Air Ambulance got to me quickly and operated on me on the side of the road to put me in a coma and inate both of my lungs which were punctured...

From a fundraising point of view

I rst met Richard at a charity run for the EAAA. Richard started the race and his wifes friends, Charlies Angels, were also running. I heard him talk about his accident and only then realised the extent of his injuries. I became more involved with Richard when he decided to hold a charity Fun Day to raise funds for us. It soon became obvious that this was all part of Richards road to recovery. As hard as it was, he had to do this. Richards Family Fun Day was held on Sunday 30th September 2012 and I was completely blown away by the support that he had received, not only to put on the day but in his recovery. Richard has lots of supportive friends and family. It was amazing to be part of such a wonderful atmosphere. It really did not feel as if I was working! It was an emotional day for Richard and I have to be honest, for me as well. It was a reminder of why I do this job and why it is so important to raise the vital funds needed. Since working with Richard I have met his son Freddie who was also involved in the accident. I gave a talk to Freddies school; he has been busy fundraising too and the support continues as Freddies head teacher has pledged to match his total during the London Marathon 2013. I wish them all the very best of luck.

...One moment that I would not have wanted to miss was the reunion between Richard and the Doctor that saved his life...
I dont know who was more pleased to see the other. Richard and his fantastic friends and family have already raised just under 8,000 and it will continue, watch this space...

To donate 5 text heli to 70500 08450 669 999 www.eaaa.org.uk

Registered charity number 1083876, registered ofce: Hangar E, Gambling Close, Norwich Airport, Norwich, NR6 6EG Donations will be deducted from your mobile phone account and cost 5 plus your standard network text message rate. EAAA will receive 100% of your donation.