Hit and run survivor backs campaign to save lives this Christmas

A woman who survived a hit and run incident which left her with critical injuries is backing a campaign to help save lives this Christmas.

Sue Bradbury was walking her dog on 5 December 2020 at Perranwell Station when she was run over by a drink driver. She hit the windscreen before being thrown on to the road, suffering a serious head injury, a punctured lung, and multiple broken bones.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to the scene; on board were critical care paramedics Kris Lethbridge and Lisa Ball. They provided critical care on scene before Sue was airlifted to Derriford Hospital for further treatment.

Sue said: “I was out with the dog; I’ve done that walk hundreds of times. You never ever think something like this is going to happen to you. It has been life-changing, not just for me, the impact on the whole family is enormous. My daughters didn’t know if I would survive.”

Sue spent 10 days in Derriford Hospital. She was unable to drive for seven months and has received ongoing support for the physical and mental effects of the incident.

“I am incredibly lucky- wrong place, wrong time- but I have lived to tell the tale,” said Sue. “I was given the opportunity to spend Christmas with my family last year, which was even more important as my mum has since passed away. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped, if I hadn’t got to hospital as quickly as I did who knows what would have happened. No one knows when they might need the air ambulance. It is so important to have this team on stand-by ready to help.”

In 2020, Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to 14 incidents over the festive holiday, including three on Christmas Day. The charity has now launched the Saving Lives at Christmas Appeal. Donate to the lifesaving charity between 1-15 December and it will be doubled up to £50,000, thanks to support from match funder Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean and a second generous benefactor.

Tim Bunting, Chief Executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “The crew are on call responding to incidents across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly every day of the year- including Christmas. As a charity we rely on donations to fund lifesaving missions like Sue’s.

“If you can support, please do, every donation no matter the size will have twice the impact this Christmas.”

Double your donation in the Saving Lives this Christmas appeal.