A Southampton office worker who collapsed at his desk has teamed up with 30 of his colleagues to fundraise for the air ambulance charity responsible for saving his life.
It was in September last year when 50-year-old Simon Munford had a seizure at the offices of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, off of Bedford Place.
While colleagues rushed to his aid and dialled 999, the air ambulance crew were alerted to the potentially life-threatening incident and landed in Watts Park.
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Simon was treated with ketamine to keep him safe and comfortable, before being loaded into an awaiting road ambulance and taken to University Hospital Southampton.
While he was in hospital, however, things took a turn as Simon suffered a second seizure. He was intubated to protect his organs and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.
“I never expected anything like this to happen to me,” he said. “It was completely out of the blue. “But the level of care I got from everyone, whether it was from the team from the air ambulance or in the hospital, was brilliant. They were all there when I needed them.
“None of us realised Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was a charity. I’m humbled that everyone wants to get involved and do their bit for the service that helped me. And I’m touched, to say the least, by how many people have dived in and raised money. I feel very lucky.
“It's vital that people donate where they can, because it can make all the difference. You never know when you're going to need it.”
Now football and cricket fan Simon, who lives close to his offices in the city centre , is set to take on a 5km run as part of the ABP Southampton Marathon this weekend, while colleagues will take on a range of distances, including the full 26.2 miles.
The team have already raised £4,500, exceeding their £1,000 target well ahead of the event, which takes place on Sunday April 7.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was called to 1,814 emergencies last year. The charity, with offices in Nursling, relies on the generosity of the local community to help fund missions.
To donate, visit https://hiowaa.enthuse.com/pf/team-nclh-regent
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