Ulverston couple walk for GNAAS after van collision
Daniel and Philippa Fox from Ulverston are taking on the challenge to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), less than a year after Daniel was seriously injured in a van collision. The incident happened on December 20, 2024, while Daniel, 50, was crossing the A590 near the Swan Inn in Ulverston to visit a friend just before Christmas. 
He sustained life-threatening injuries, including a subarachnoid haemorrhage, facial fractures, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a fractured fibula. Two air ambulances were dispatched to the scene and landed nearby at Ford Park. The GNAAS team placed Daniel into a medically induced coma before airlifting him to Royal Preston Hospital, a journey that took just 17 minutes.
Philippa, 38, was out with colleagues at a Christmas work event when police contacted her around 5pm. 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 spent 10 days in a coma in the critical care unit, followed by a week on the neuro ward. He was later transferred to Furness General Hospital and discharged in mid-January.
Mr Fox said: "My recovery has been fairly good, slow and steady but not without incident. 
"With the help of family, friends and therapy, I feel I'm doing ok, not 100 per cent, but ok." With the first anniversary of the accident approaching, the couple have reflected on its lasting impact. Mrs Fox 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." 
Mr Fox 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, the 'Walk the Wall' challenge raises funds for GNAAS.
This year, participants can choose to complete the distance over 31 days or as few as 15. Mrs Fox, who takes on a charity challenge every January, is also walking an additional 2,026 metres while carrying an 84kg weight to match their mileage. 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 inspire others to support GNAAS and its life-saving work across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man. Mr Fox 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." Mrs Fox added: "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 or to sign up for the 'Walk the Wall' challenge, visit: https://gna.as/walkthewall26pr[1]
References
- ^ https://gna.as/walkthewall26pr (gna.as)