Twenty years ago, Jess Meyer needed the help of East Anglian Air Ambulance when she fell from a horse on a cold, snowy January day in Hingham in Norfolk. Jess was then on a gap year before starting university and had been racing horses for around six months when she fell on the hard ground while the horse was in canter.
“I landed and felt my knee go ‘ping’. I tried to jump back up and run after the horse, but I just flopped back onto the ground,” Jess, who now lives in Cambridge, says.
Jess’ accident was in a remote location.
“The land ambulance crew said they would struggle to get me out, so they requested air ambulance support. I laid there under a blanket while my leg was at a funny angle. I watched the helicopter land in a nearby field. I was then given gas and air before the crew moved me to the aircraft and flew me to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.”
“I remember feeling really sad in the snow, so I was really grateful to be picked up!”
Jess had torn her anterior cruciate ligament and was on crutches for six months. Ten years later, her Mum bought her a leisure helicopter flight so she could enjoy a different experience in the air. But she never forgot the help she received from East Anglian Air Ambulance, or the support others in the equestrian industry have received, so earlier this year Jess resolved to raise money for the charity by completing a running challenge.
“East Anglian Air Ambulance is the only charity I have personally benefited from. My Mum is especially grateful for the help I received and always puts money into donation buckets. We’re glad to know it’s an option for people who might need it.”
Jess originally signed up for the Cambridge Half Marathon but was unwell on race day, so decided to run the Newmarket Half Marathon instead.
“It was a tough race because it was a hot day and the course was quite hilly — and I’m used to flat!” Jess says. “I was pleased with how I ran, and there was great support from the people of Newmarket.”
Jess adds that she was really motivated by all the people who sponsored her and ended up completing the race in 2 hours and 21 minutes, after initially worrying that she wouldn’t complete the course within the three-hour limit.
“Plenty of people who sponsored me are from the horse community. East Anglian Air Ambulance is a popular charity among my friendship groups.”
Jess raised over £500, an incredible amount to help somebody who may be in need of lifesaving care from the crews.
“Every little helps, and it was really good to be a part of the Newmarket Half Marathon to raise money for East Anglian Air Ambulance because the next person in need could be somebody I know – and that’s a scary thought.”
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