Crash survivor thanks air ambulance services
Thursday, 11 December, 2008
A fatal accident where four young men died has prompted the family and friends of the sole survivor to acknowledge the role of the emergency services by raising funds for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust (TVACAA).
Matthew Simpson, who survived the accident, which took place in the early hours on Sunday 1st June on the A422 at Westbury near Buckingham, is to visit TVACAA's air base at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire to present a cheque for almost £9000 to the charity.
TVACAA Fundraiser Pat Conafray said: "This is a magnificent gesture following such a terrible tragedy. In fact, the air ambulance was unable to attend the scene because it currently cannot fly at night so the police helicopter had to provide assistance instead.
"Nevertheless, Mathew's father Mark and his work colleagues wanted to show their support of the emergency services and this money will help bring the day when we can operate in the hours of darkness that bit closer."
The donation was raised by Mark Simpson's work colleagues at Ashby de la Zouch based energy and building management specialists TAC UK, who organized a charity golf day, attended by contractors and suppliers and raising £4,496.21 on the day, a sum which has been matched by TAC to give a total of £8992.42.
The cheque will be presented to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust at RAF Benson on Monday 15th December.
Pat Conafray added: "It speaks volumes for the human spirit that such generosity and selflessness can emerge from such a great personal tragedy. We are deeply grateful to Matthew and his family and friends."
