In 2012, Carolyn Hancock had her world turned upside down following an equestrian accident in Norfolk. Despite being an experienced horse-rider, Carolyn was thrown to the ground and sustained horrific injuries that required immediate medical attendance. After initially being treated by a paramedic, The East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked to the field where she lay prone and administered immediate treatment to stem very serious injuries. Carolyn was then immediately flown to Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge and spent the next 5 days in intensive care.
Due to the actions of The East Anglian Air Ambulance that day, Carolyn survived. 5 years later, although still feeling some side effects and unable to ride horses any more, Carolyn now speaks on behalf of the charity and made an emotional visit to the recent canvasser training day. Carolyn, accompanied by her young daughter, wanted to thank the lottery team for essentially saving her life. “Without you I wouldn’t be here today,” she said. “I owe you my life because without the lottery and the members you have recruited there wouldn’t be an East Anglian Air Ambulance and I wouldn’t be here today. Words cannot explain how grateful I am.”
It was an emotional speech from Carolyn but it highlighted the importance of the work done by canvassers who recruit lottery members for the charity. Income from the lottery makes up over 40% of the charities income and last year contributed over £4m. This directly funds one of the helicopters and enables the charity to operate as it does today. EAAA have one of the biggest society lotteries in the country and this wouldn’t have been achieved without canvassers actively fundraising on their behalf. It was a very proud moment for them to hear that as a result of the work they do, Carolyn was alive and well and highlights just what an important role they play as the face of The East Anglian Air Ambulance.
If you would like to become a lottery canvasser and indirectly help people such as Carolyn, contact Cliff Egan on 07868 564563.
