Yorkshire Air Ambulance is proud to announce the addition of former patient Michelle Raine to their North Yorkshire fundraising team. Michelle’s remarkable journey from being an ex-patient to becoming an integral part of the YAA team is a testament to the impact the charity has had on her life.
Joining the dynamic fundraising team in June 2023, Michelle brings a deep personal connection to YAA’s mission, stemming from her own harrowing accident, which was also broadcast on a previous episode of Helicopter ER. On the 8th of August 2017, Michelle experienced a life-changing event when she was involved in a serious tractor accident near Masham.
The tractor she was on rolled down a hill, leaving Michelle, who was a passenger at the time, with devastating injuries including a broken pelvis and serious spinal injuries. Fortunately, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew arrived quickly to the scene, providing her with critical emergency medical care, pain relief and airlifted her to Leeds General Infirmary for further treatment.
Michelle was a passenger in a tractor and slurry tanker, when it slipped down a hillside and overturned.
Michelle’s road to recovery was filled with challenges as she was rushed into emergency surgery to stabilise her pelvis, a critical step in her healing process. Over the course of her two-week hospital stint, she displayed unwavering strength as she also battled pneumonia, which resulted in the collapse of her lungs. This setback only fuelled Michelle’s determination to overcome the odds.
Once discharged from the hospital, Michelle faced two months in a wheelchair whilst her body recovered from the ordeal. Despite the hardships she encountered, through hard work, perseverance, and the support of her loved ones, Michelle has since made a full recovery.
Driven by a desire to give back, Michelle leapt at the opportunity to work for the very charity that saved her life. She said, “When I saw the Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter landing in the field to save me, I knew I was in safe hands. Their swift response and expert care during my accident were nothing short of miraculous.
Now, as part of the YAA family, I cherish the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others, just like they did for me. Every day is a new adventure, and I am deeply committed to doing everything I can to assist those that support the charity that once saved my life. It’s an honour to be part of this fantastic team!”
Michelle’s passion for supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been evident long before she joined the fundraising team. In 2018, just one year after her accident, she organised a successful fundraising ball at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn. Raising an impressive £15,000 to give back to the charity, she rightly earned a YAA recognition award in 2019, recognising her exceptional dedication and contribution to the charity.
Michelle organised a successful fundraising ball at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn.
Regional Fundraising Manager, Linda Stead, said, “Michelle is an invaluable asset to our fundraising team. Her firsthand experience as an ex-patient allows her to connect with donors and supporters on a deeper level, inspiring them with her remarkable journey and gratitude. Michelle’s passion shines through every day, and she is a true testament to the life-changing impact of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we are incredibly proud to have her on board.”
