Leanne Reid recalls her M5 crash and appreciates the air ambulance that saved her. She raises money for the service.
Leanne’s memory of the crash is fuzzy. The air ambulance had a tough landing. They shut down the M5 in both directions for over 30 minutes. She remembers being on a stretcher. She had a neck brace and pelvic binder.
They gave her pain relief. Her body was badly hurt and failing. She lost too much blood, so they gave her a transfusion. The air ambulance flew her to a Bristol hospital. Doctors put her in a coma for six days. She had many surgeries, even heart work.
The crash broke ribs and cut her liver and spleen. Doctors put metal in her leg. She had a lung clot and pneumonia. Despite these injuries, she left the hospital in 21 days.
She recovered well, but still has pain. An X-ray showed the damage from the 2020 crash. Leanne praised the air ambulance’s help. She now lives an active life with her sons. She even had a daughter, Niamh.
She thought she might not be able to have more kids. She often thinks about how different things could have been. She credits the emergency workers for saving her life. She is grateful for a second chance and wanted to share her story.
Leanne raised money for the air ambulance. The service depends on donations. She walked 100 miles in October for a challenge. Though hospitalized, she raised £200. She also sold raffle tickets at a charity event. She hopes to keep raising money for them. They saved her life and she wants to help.
The air ambulance shared statements about donations. They showed how donations help families stay together. Tara Wilson, Leanne’s friend, gave a statement. Tara felt shocked when she heard about the crash.
She is grateful to have been there for Leanne’s recovery. She attended a meeting with the air ambulance crew. This helped her understand what happened and feel better. She appreciates many more years of friendship.