Farm rescue raises funds for Devon Air Ambulance
Alex Tapp of Awliscombe, near Honiton, needed the Devon Air Ambulance nearly 20 years ago. He now runs a farm machinery sales business and decided to mark the 20-year anniversary with a generous donation. Alex tells the story…
“I work in the agricultural industry and 20 years ago this December I had an accident whilst working on a dairy farm near Cullompton. I was 16 years old at the time when a large stack of straw bales toppled over, falling on me, which resulted in me breaking my femur, requiring surgery for a metal rod to be fitted, also damaging my shoulder. Fortunately, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) came to the rescue and airlifted me to hospital. I am forever grateful for the service they provided that day.
“I am still working in agriculture but have since started my own business selling used farm machinery www.ta-agri.co.uk based in Awliscombe just outside Honiton, Devon. This December will be 20 years since my accident and with it recently being Farm Safety Week I was wondering how I could raise some funds to donate to the Air Ambulance who helped me – I realised that, with social distancing, an event would not be allowed and that their fundraising income would have been severely impacted this year.
“So, instead, I decided I would donate £1,000 from the sale of my next Tractor to DAA. Local farmer Martin Greenslade, from Cullompton, came to view our CASE IH CX90 and upon discussing price I stated my intention to donate to DAA. I couldn’t believe it when he said that he, too, had been airlifted by DAA. His accident was six years ago – and again, due to a farming accident, in which he fell from a stack of bales. Not surprisingly, we were both delighted to know that DAA would benefit from the donation; this way, everyone’s a winner.”
Handing over the keys of his new tractor to Martin, and the cheque to Brian Chapman from Devon Air Ambulance, Brian promoted another fundraising initiative for the farming community: VPlough’20 – in the absence of live events and matches, due to Covid-19, here is a virtual competition, with a range of classes and for a range of agricultural vehicles, complete with cash prizes! For further information, please go to www.vplough.co.uk
