Airlifted patient wins Cornwall Air Ambulance £1,000 lottery jackpot
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A grandad of eight who was airlifted by Cornwall Air Ambulance after suffering a cardiac arrest has won the charity’s £1,000 lottery jackpot.
Michael Easton and his dog had travelled to his family holiday home on the Isles of Scilly in January 2005 when he started to feel unwell. He called his wife to tell her he thought something was wrong, and she phoned 999.
A land ambulance was called and Michael was taken to the local hospital on St Mary’s, where it was confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack. Michael needed surgery at Treliske in Truro, so Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to airlift him to the mainland.
He said: “They loaded me into the helicopter really quickly and then we were off. I was a bit out of it, so would have enjoyed the flight more if I had known what was going on! I didn’t realise the significance at the time, as I was being helped and flown to a safe place, I didn’t really register that I was in a bit of trouble. I was relieved that something was going to happen to help get rid of the pain in my chest though.”
At the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Michael had a stent fitted to open up the artery that had failed. He has recovered well and hasn’t had any further issues with his heart.
Michael, from Surrey, regularly donates to Cornwall Air Ambulance and plays the charity’s lottery. He recently won the monthly £1,000 jackpot and is planning to spend the money on a family trip to Rome, which previously had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
The 79-year-old also makes silver jewellery which he sells at a local craft fair, then donates the proceeds to Cornwall Air Ambulance and the RNLI.
Michael says he is extremely grateful and will continue to support your charity: “I think the service is fantastic, that’s why I donate regularly, I want to keep it going. We’re out on Scilly three or four times a year. Hopefully I don’t need you again, but it’s very reassuring to know you’re there.”
You can play the Cornwall Air Ambulance lottery here.