Former patient encourages supporters to attend The Air Ambulance Service Christmas Carol Concert

This December, The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) is inviting supporters to join its Christmas Carol Services in Rugby and Market Harborough to raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving missions across the region.

Former patient Rod Martin, whose life was saved by the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) after a catastrophic accident in Market Harborough in 2005, will be attending and speaking at the carol service in Market Harborough, and is encouraging others to support the charity that gave him a second chance at life.

On 28 October 2005, Rod’s life changed forever when a fire and explosion during a welding accident left him with severe burns and catastrophic injuries. With 51% of his body severely burned and his leg almost severed, Rod’s survival depended on rapid, specialist care. “After the explosion, I was rushed to Kettering Hospital, but they didn’t have the facilities I needed,” Rod recalls. “That’s when the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance stepped in. In just 12 minutes, I was flown to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham for lifesaving treatment. I know the helicopter gave me that chance to survive.”

Rod’s journey to recovery was long and painful, but thanks to the expertise of medical teams and the quick response of the air ambulance crew, he was able to survive and eventually regain mobility in his leg. His deep gratitude for the lifesaving work of the air ambulance led him to become a passionate supporter of the charity. “While I was recovering, I noticed just how often the air ambulance was flying out on missions,” Rod said. “I didn’t realise how many people were being helped, and it made me want to give back. I started raising funds for the charity, and my community rallied together to support the air ambulance at Christmas.”

Now, many years later, Rod continues to support The Air Ambulance Service by raising awareness and funds within his local community of Ashley near Corby. Rod’s story is a powerful reminder of the critical difference the air ambulance can make. From the moment of injury to the vital moments after, the service provides rapid response and pre-hospital critical care, saving lives and changing futures.

Rod will be attending the Market Harborough carol service on 12 December, and is urging everyone to come along and support this essential cause. The Market Harborough Christmas Carol Service will take place at St Dionysius’ Church from 6.30pm – 8.00pm. The evening will include two fantastic choirs performing Christmas carols, a tombola, refreshments, craft stalls, and a special In Memory stall selling candles and baubles to honour loved ones. The High Sheriff of Leicestershire will also be in attendance.

“For those who can’t attend the Market Harborough service, we would love to welcome you to our Rugby Christmas Carol Service on 13 December 2024 at St Andrew’s Church, Rugby, from 6.00pm – 8.00pm,” said Morgan Turnbull, Junior Events Manager at The Air Ambulance Service. “Both services are a wonderful opportunity to support our lifesaving work and make a difference to communities across the region.”

The Rugby event will feature performances from St Marie’s Junior School, former Rugby’s Got Talent winner Paul Sammon, and special guest Madison Matthews, who will be performing a variety of Christmas songs. There will also be two special tombolas, a café with mulled wine and refreshments, and an In Memory stall to remember loved ones.

“We hope you can join us to spread Christmas cheer, reflect on the lives of those we’ve lost, and support the ongoing work of The Air Ambulance Service,” Morgan continued. “Together, we can ensure that more lifesaving missions are possible across our communities.”

Tickets for the Market Harborough Christmas Carol Concert are available to book online: https://events.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/event/air-ambulance-christmas-carol-market-harborough

Tickets for the Rugby Christmas Carol Concert are available to book online: https://events.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/event/air-ambulance-christmas-carol-rugby