Robert London

It was the evening of 19 June 2014 when the EAAA crew were tasked to Robert, from Norwich, following an road traffic collision (RTC) when he was out for a ride on his motorcycle.

“I’ve always been a very keen cyclist, and I was preparing for a time trail in a couple of days,” Robert explains. “But it was such a lovely evening that I decided to go for a solo ride on my motorbike.”

During that ride, Robert was in collision with a tractor, causing a major trauma injury to his leg. A land ambulance from the East of England Ambulance Service was called and, shortly after, the EAAA crew, after finishing another tasking nearby, were also called to the scene.

The charity’s specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots bring the advanced skills, equipment and medicine – normally only found in a specialist emergency department – directly to the patient’s side in the fastest time possible. The equipment carried by EAAA’s helicopters and critical care cars enables enhanced care at the incident scene – when the patient needs it most – such as blood transfusions, advanced pain relief, sedation and anaesthesia. Robert needed this advanced care on the roadside.

“The EAAA crew put me into an induced coma and transported me in the helicopter to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where I was taken for emergency surgery,” Robert says.

When he was brought out of the coma, Robert learned that surgeons felt they wouldn’t be able to save his leg.

“I asked them to investigate further, and I told Mr Krkovic the Orthopaedic surgeon that I would ride my bike again – and that he could ride with me!” Thankfully he and the plastic surgeon agreed to carry out the very complex, multidisciplined surgery.

It was a very long road to recovery for Robert with an initial 13-hour operation followed by another 10 surgeries and challenges, which included infections, and even another accident which resulted in a fine break in his leg. Throughout, his determination and love of cycling remained as strong as ever.

“My only focus was that I wanted to get back on my bicycle again. Getting onto my – now adapted – bike after three years was strange, painful and hard work – but I was so happy to be back out there,” Robert says.

In 2024, Robert and a friend took part in Together We Ride in aid of EAAA to mark his 60th birthday. He completed the planned 60-mile ride on the day of the 10th anniversary of the accident. This year he took part again, aiming to complete 61 miles on June 19.

“I always wanted to do something to support EAAA but never had the opportunity – but Together We Ride is something the entire cycling community can get involved in, and it’s something I can do at my own pace and a distance I choose.”

Robert adds, “It’s something you can do on your own or with others to enjoy the outside and fundraise in aid of EAAA. With everybody doing something to raise money and awareness, it can really grow.”

Thank you, Robert and to everybody who took part in Together We Ride this year!