Richard’s Story

My father and our family were and are forever grateful to The Air Ambulance Service. They saved his life.

William Periam

As The Air Ambulance Service marks Gifts in Wills month this March, the charity is highlighting the lasting impact of legacy giving.

Richard Charles Periam died at the age of 88 in September 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, to The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) charity that saved his life 12 years earlier.

On 6 November 2011, at his home in Warwickshire, the then 76-year-old Richard was enjoying one of his lifelong passions. He had always loved railways – from childhood fascination to adulthood, trains were a constant devotion throughout his life. In his garden, he had built a large-scale model railway, something that brought him endless joy and a fair amount of admiration from family and friends.

That afternoon, the father-of-two was sitting on his model train when, as he later described it, he had “a senior moment.” The train veered off the tracks, Richard fell, and the weight of the train came down on top of him.

The incident left him with a very serious and life-changing injury. He suffered a broken back and several fractured vertebrae in his spine.

Emergency services were called, and Richard was airlifted from his garden by The Air Ambulance Service to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

Despite the severity of what had happened, Richard’s sense of humour never left him. He was slightly embarrassed and more than a little disappointed that his first ever helicopter ride was one he was unable to properly enjoy.

Richard spent around seven weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries. Though he was slightly less mobile than before, the accident never defined him. He continued to live an incredible and fulfilling life, surrounded by his family and the community he loved so much.

Described by his son, William Periam, as “a really lovely guy and the font of all knowledge,” Richard was at the heart of village life. He rang bells at his local church, performed in village pantomimes on numerous occasions and was always ready with a fact, a story or a helping hand. He supported many charities throughout his lifetime and after his accident, The Air Ambulance Service was added to that list.

William said: “He was really grateful to the crew that went out to him and after his accident, he realised how essential it was to everyone. My father and our family were and are forever grateful to The Air Ambulance Service. They saved his life.”

Over his last few years, Richard donated £39,850 through monthly contributions. In an extraordinary final act of generosity, he also left a gift of £20,000 in his Will to support the charity that had come to his aid on that November afternoon.

Lynda Copson, Legacy Fundraising Executive for The Air Ambulance Service, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Richard’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity he showed to the service. Gifts like Richard’s not only honour his story and life but help ensure that we can be there for others facing their darkest and most unexpected moments. His incredible donation will help the charity to continue its vital work.”

Learn more about including a gift in your Will by visiting: https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/ways-to-give/ways-to-give-gifting-in-your-will/

The Air Ambulance Service has launched its ‘Big Bases Appeal’ to help secure the future of its lifesaving work across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. To find out more or make a donation, please visit: https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/big-bases-appeal/