Wales Helicopter chief’s life saved by air ambulance |
A Pembrokeshire aviation boss whose own life was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Steve Landrey, 51, has embarked on an epic 186-mile walk to raise thousands of pounds for Wales Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.
Steve, who worked as European managing director for air ambulance operator, Babcock, collapsed while out cycling with friends. He suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. Thankfully the Wales Air Ambulance was able to respond swiftly to the scene and gave Steve the lifesaving care he needed.
Ironically, Babcock holds the contract to run the Wales Air Ambulance’s aviation operation.
Steve said: “It was incredible to be on the receiving end of the work I was previously involved in providing. Like every other patient, I was in a frightening and vulnerable situation and without the fast response and quality care offered by the Wales Air Ambulance critical care team and others on the scene I may not be here today.
“Undertaking this fundraising walk is my way of showing my thanks for the care I received. When I managed Babcock’s European air ambulance operations I was always proud of the people who worked with me but this has just reinforced my faith in their dedication and expertise.”
Steve Landrey (left) with his cardiac rehabilitation instructor David Braithwaite.
When he collapsed, Steve was with his brother-in-law Chris, who quickly started CPR. He was also fortunate that in the traffic passing the scene was an off-duty fire officer with his first responder girlfriend. They had made a wrong turn on a day out and had a defib unit with them, which they used to restart Steve’s heart.
After having an emergency stent procedure, Steve was discharged from hospital three days later and the road to recovery started.
Just nine months later he started his epic challenge, with his cardiac rehabilitation instructor David Braithwaite, and has already clocked off more than half of the 186 miles.
Babcock Director Hayley Belmore said: “We know what we do is important, and we are extremely proud to be part of the incredible service the Wales Air Ambulance Charity provides, but when you respond to someone you know, it really amplifies it. Everyone at Babcock is so pleased Steve has made such a good recovery and we wish him the best for his epic fundraiser!”
You can show your support to Steve by donating to his Virgin Money Giving fundraising page Steve Landrey - Walking 186 miles of Pembrokeshire Coast Path
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 29th July 2021 | Issue #616
