Leo’s Story

The Air Ambulance Service saved his life. Without them protecting his brain when they did, he simply wouldn’t be here.

Sam, Leo's brother

Eighteen-year-old Leo Elliott has always been known in his family as the joker – clumsy, cheeky, and full of life. But on 26 March 2025, his world was turned upside down.

That evening, Leo was driving alone near his home in Mastin Moor, Chesterfield when he lost control of his car. Travelling at 57mph on a 40mph road, he clipped a curb and crashed head-on into a tree. The force of the impact left him with devastating injuries.

At home, his family’s Life360 app (a location-sharing service) unexpectedly sent out a crash alert. Moments later, Leo’s dad, Aaron, phoned his eldest son, Sam, with the words no family ever wants to hear: “Leo’s been in a really bad crash.”

When the Elliotts arrived at the scene, they were met with flashing blue lights. Police cars, fire engines, land ambulances and The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) surrounded the wreckage. Firefighters worked quickly to cut Leo from the car. Seeing the extent of his head injuries, the crew made the critical decision to place him into an induced coma at the roadside, to protect his brain.

Leo had suffered multiple bleeds on the brain, nerve damage in his shoulder, and so much trauma to his ear that it had to be stitched back on. His parents, Donna and Aaron, and his brother Sam followed behind in a police car, clinging to the hope that he would pull through.

Over the next two weeks, Leo remained in a coma as he was moved between three different hospitals to access specialist neurological care. A needle inserted into his skull monitored his brain pressure constantly while his family endured a long, anxious wait.

When Leo eventually woke at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, the relief was overwhelming. But the reality of his injuries soon became clear. He was unable to speak, too weak to properly move, and could only communicate through hand squeezes and eyebrow movements.

It marked the beginning of a slow and painful recovery. Weeks of rehabilitation followed, with Leo gradually regaining strength and finding ways to express himself again. By July, he was finally able to return home, where his family, girlfriend, and loyal dog Wyn remained by his side through his recovery journey.

Through it all, Leo showed remarkable courage. While he was still in hospital, his Grandad sadly passed away. Determined not to miss saying goodbye, Leo attended the funeral in a wheelchair.

Leo’s brother, Sam said: “Leo’s always been the prankster. To see him back to winding Mum up and playing tricks shows us he’s still himself underneath it all. He’s 18, a bit reckless, and I wasn’t even surprised when I heard he’d crashed. But I know he’s going to be okay now. The Air Ambulance Service saved his life. Without them protecting his brain when they did, he simply wouldn’t be here.”

Wanting to give back, Sam and his friends took on the enormous challenge of climbing the three national peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – in just 24 hours. Together, they raised more than £2,000 for the services that helped save Leo’s life.

The Elliotts know that without The Air Ambulance Service, their story could have ended very differently. Thanks to public donations, the crew were there when Leo needed them most, giving him the chance to come home, recover, and get back to being the joker of the family.

If you would like to show your support and donate to Sam’s GoFundMe, visit: https://gofund.me/f4cdd8a7a