Why we fly

Annabelle’s Story

One Friday afternoon, Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance flew to the rescue of 10 year old Annabelle Orrit. As Annabelle walked home from school with her friends, she was involved in a terrible accident.

One Friday afternoon, Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance flew to the rescue of 10 year old Annabelle Orrit. As Annabelle walked home from school with her friends, she was involved in a terrible accident.

She was struck by a 40ft tree that uprooted and fell on her in the bad weather. She was lying very still on the ground when her mum and stepdad arrived; she said her neck, back and head hurt. When the crew landed they assessed Annabelle and immediately provided her with advanced pain relief before immobilising her, ready for flight. She was then swiftly flown to University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire to continue her treatment.

After three weeks in hospital and several operations due to the injuries she sustained to her face and back, she was allowed to go home. But she had to continue to wear a back brace for a further seven months.

Annabelle has now started high school and has been the host of two fundraising balls at a local hotel. She is now looking forward to being a chief bridesmaid for her mum and stepdad.

“I’ve visited the airbase to meet the crew who came to my rescue that day. We took them a big cake to say thank you.” Annabelle