Ulverston couple turn Christmas tragedy into air ambulance fundraiser

Daniel Fox, 50, was crossing the A590 near the Swan Inn in Ulverston to visit a friend and wish them a merry Christmas when he was involved in a collision with a van on 20 December 2024. He suffered life-threatening injuries, including a subarachnoid haemorrhage, facial fractures, broken ribs, a punctured lung and a fractured fibula. Two air ambulances attended the scene, landing nearby in Ford Park, as well as the North West Ambulance Service.

Daniel was placed into a medically-induced coma by the doctor and paramedic from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital in 17 minutes. Great North Air Ambulance at Preston (Image: GNAAS) Daniel's wife Philippa, 38, was enjoying Christmas festivities with her work colleagues when she received a call from the police around 5pm asking for her whereabouts so they could come and meet her.

She said: "When they arrived they told me my husband had been struck by a vehicle, and they needed to take me to the hospital quickly to see him because he was seriously injured. "Because I was out with work friends, I hadn't seen any information about the accident at all." Daniel remained in a coma for 10 days in the critical care unit, followed by a week in the neuro ward, before being transferred to Furness General Hospital, and finally discharged in mid-January.

He said: "My recovery has been fairly good, slow and steady but not without incident. It was only in June when I was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and in September I was diagnosed with PTSD. "With the help of family, friends and therapy, I feel I'm doing ok, not 100 per cent, but ok."

Daniel Fox in August walking the dogs (Image: GNAAS) Philippa has been by his side throughout his recovery, and as they approach the one-year anniversary of the incident, the impact of the experience is still evident. She said: "Emotionally it has been difficult for me, both supporting Dan and dealing with my own trauma and memories of the incident.

December so far has been very triggering for me, so I still have moments of anxiety and flashbacks of seeing Dan in the hospital." To help aid Daniel's recovery, the couple have signed up to GNAAS' virtual challenge called 'Walk the Wall', and committed themselves to walking 84 miles throughout January, which is the length of Hadrian's Wall Path. Daniel said: "I feel I owe them my life so it's the least I could do.

Because my knee is still healing, it also does feel like a real challenge." Now in its fifth year, Walk the Wall raises vital funds for GNAAS, and for the first time it is offering participants a choice of challenge levels, from completing the distance over 31 days to tackling it in as little as 15 days. Daniel Fox a few months before his incident (Image: GNAAS)

Philippa, who takes on a charity challenge every January, is adding an extra element to the fundraiser by also walking an additional 2,026 metres carrying an 84kg weight, to mirror the 84 miles her and Daniel will complete together. She said: "The air ambulance along with other medical professionals were crucial to Dan being here today. "It was a no-brainer to raise money for such an important service."

The couple hope their story will encourage others to support or sign up for Walk the Wall and help ensure GNAAS can continue the life-saving work they carry out across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man. Daniel Fox in August walking the dogs (Image: GNAAS) Daniel said: "I can't believe there is no government funding for them, and anyone may need them at any time.

I love them, they save people's lives every day without expectation of recognition."

Philippa agreed: "You never know when you or someone you love might need their help.

I think GNAAS are angels in disguise, and I'm so incredibly grateful to them." To find out more about Walk the Wall and sign up visit: https://gna.as/walkthewall26pr [1]

References

^ https://gna.as/walkthewall26pr (gna.as)