Air ambulance patient becomes charity's trustee

A man who nearly lost his arm in a piece of farm machinery has become a trustee of the charity that helped save his life.

Paul Reynolds, from Plaistow, West Sussex, was treated after the accident in November 2022 by a team from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), alongside an ambulance crew and the fire service.

He was taken by road to hospital in Brighton and has since made a "remarkable recovery", the charity said.

Reynolds said: "Becoming a trustee has given me an opportunity to give something back to a charity that means so much to me."

He told BBC South East: "I got into a bit of a fight with my tractor which I wasn't going to win.

"I remember one of the doctors standing behind me saying 'I'm here to save your life.'"

Reynolds was in intensive care and has since had 11 operations on his arm.

He said: "The care I received from KSS and the wider emergency services team that day was exceptional and I will always be grateful for the role they played in my recovery.

"It's a privilege to use my experience and skills to help ensure KSS can continue to be there for people and families when they need it most."

Holly Riley, head of policy at the Charity Commission said: "Paul's story is incredible.

"His decision to give back to the charity that saved his life is in turn helping Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex save more lives."

Trustees Week (9-13 November) is an annual opportunity to recognise the dedication, expertise and commitment of trustees across the country.

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