Top gear star Richard Hammond supports Midlands Air Ambulance
TV presenter and Top Gear star Richard Hammond has become a high profile ambassador for the Midlands Air Ambulance – after a similar service helped to save his life.
Mr Hammond and his wife, columnist Mindy Hammond, are the latest to offer endorsement to the charity.
They have joined stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment including professional rugby players Mike Tindall MBE (England & Gloucester) and Andy Goode (England & Wasps), London 2012 equestrian gold medalists Carl Hester MBE, Nick Skelton MBE and 10 times Paralympian gold medalist Lee Pearson MBE OBE CBE, actor/writer John Challis (Only Fools & Horses) and actor James Phelps (Harry Potter).
Richard and Mindy will support the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity with its national and local fundraising and awareness. The charity and its cause are extremely close the Hammond's hearts.
An air ambulance famously airlifted Hammond following a near fatal crash seven years ago. In addition Mindy's godson, Jobe Taylor-Davies, was also airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital after a life threatening accident.
Mr Hammond's life was saved in September 2006 when he was filming for Top Gear at Elvington airfield near York. His 370mph jet-powered Vampire dragster flipped over several times and crashed on to grass.
Richard suffered a significant brain injury as a result of the crash. He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary in a matter of minutes and credits the air ambulance with saving his life.
He said: "When you're critically ill or badly injured as a result of an accident, speed is the essence of saving lives. The 'Golden Hour' as it is often referred to, is the critical period in saving a life. The air ambulance saved my life by airlifting me from the wreck to intensive care in just 15 minutes. I'm alive today thanks to its crew."
