The 2024/25 season of Matlock Luncheon Club got off to a flying start when new Chairman, Elaine Lovell, welcomed the guest speaker, Sharon Stone, from the East Midlands Air Ambulance Service.
After the summer break, Members had a chance to catch up with each others’ news and enjoy a delicious meal at the Peak Edge Hotel before discovering more about the well known Service. In common with several of its volunteers, Sharon became involved when she needed swift transport to the Northern General Hospital. She had lost control of her bicycle on a steep hill near Rowsley, smashed her leg into a telegraph pole but fortunately the helicopter managed to get her to Sheffield in seven vital minutes
The Air Ambulance can land in an area of 26 square metres. In Sharon’s case it had a whole field but that did mean she had to be stretchered over a gate! Apart from being expert doctors and paramedics, seconded from NHS, and pilots, often former military fliers, the crew have to undergo physical training too!
Although the Service receives no Government financial support, relying instead on voluntary donations, corporate funding, charity events and income from retail outlets, this does guarantee them autonomy. Each mission costs around £2,300 and on average they fly 10 each day, sometimes helping out in other counties besides their ‘home patch’ of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Our members look forward to being up, up and away to Peak Edge again next month!
For further information contact www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
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