Airlifted patient becomes charity Ambassador

Former patient and passionate fundraiser, Steven Webb, has been appointed as an Ambassador for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Steven, who is a newly elected Cornwall Councillor in Truro and the city’s former Mayor, was left tetraplegic following a swimming pool accident in 1991. Cornwall Air Ambulance airlifted him from Truro City Hospital to a specialist spinal unit in Salisbury for emergency surgery, saving hours of vital journey time and helping to save his life.

Since his incident as the age of 18, Steven has been a keen advocate and supporter of the charity. Steven said: “The charity means everything to me. They were so instrumental; I probably would not have survived if I didn’t get to Salisbury. I had to go into intensive care and have a tracheotomy, if I wasn’t in that spinal unit I probably wouldn’t have made it. I’m here today and in my early 50s because of the air ambulance, and also because people donated, and fundraised, a person put £10 in that bucket, that’s why I’m here today enjoying life.”

From patient, to fundraiser, to Ambassador

In September 2024, Steven embarked on his own fundraising challenge – The Cornwall 500. He travelled 500 miles on an accessible route around the entire Cornish coastline in his electric wheelchair. Not only did Steven promote accessibility, celebrate Cornish heritage, and hear inspiring stories along the way, he also raised over £10,000 towards the Heli2 Appeal to bring a second lifesaving helicopter to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Steven said: “I don’t know of another charity that covers the whole of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, for every demographic, it doesn’t matter if you’re a six-month-old baby or in your 90s, Cornwall Air Ambulance is available to you. Cornwall is an incredible place, the coast and these little villages, they’re all so unique and different. To have that charity which is saving lives in every part, you just know you’re safe. And right around the corner, a second helicopter!”

Steven now joins the team of Cornwall Air Ambulance Ambassadors alongside Richard and Judy, Dr Karen J Dickens, Jackie Stanley D.L., Jonathan McCulloch, Paul and Emma Ainsworth and Gordon and Tana Ramsay.

On being made an Ambassador, Steven added: “It’s quite overwhelming and I’m deeply grateful to be part of a charity that does so much for so many people. I’m proud to be part of a team that means so much to me, and so much to others, to be able to get the word out and help them save more lives, is an absolute privilege. I will always champion them, what an amazing charity, they saved my life and they’ve saved so many lives. Every time I bump into volunteers shaking a bucket, or the CEO, or anyone involved in the charity, they always leave you feeling better, they leave you feeling empowered that you’re part of something really special.”