William’s Story

Farmer William Elliott was out moving cattle when he was attacked by one of the herd, sustaining two collapsed lungs and needing the urgent help of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

It was May 2000 and one of the cows had just calved when William went to move her, she charged at him, knocking him to the ground and pinning her head on his chest. William’s son Richard rushed to help, and his wife Jen phoned 999.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked, arriving at the scene near Tregony, on the Roseland, within a matter of minutes. The helicopter landed in the remote field where William lay injured.

The crew stabilised William and conveyed him to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for onward care.

“It made such a noise, a really heavy roaring”, said William. “I felt relief more than anything, I was pretty bad. I remember being put on the stretcher and pushed into the small part in the back of the helicopter. From there on, I don’t remember anything until I got to Treliske.”

William has suffered broken ribs and both of his lungs had collapsed. He remained in the intensive care unit for over a week. He recovered well and was nearly back to normal by that Christmas, although didn’t carry out as much work around the farm following the incident.

Speaking about how Cornwall Air Ambulance came to help him in his time of need, William said: “It was the difference between life and death. Honestly. Lots of neighbours came to help but it saved me, I’m sure of that. I’m glad to hear there is a second helicopter coming.”

Now almost 24 years later, William and his family are still supports of the charity. He has recently donated to the Heli2 Appeal, which is aiming to bring a second AW169 aircraft to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

You can help more patients like William by supporting the #Heli2 appeal here.