London 2012 medallists back Midlands Air Ambulance
Two gold medal winners from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have become ambassadors for the Midlands Air Ambulance – to promote safety among riders in Shropshire.
Staffordshire horseman Lee Pearson, who has won 10 Paralympic gold medals and six world championships, and Carl Hester, who struck gold at London, are hoping people will ride more safely in Shropshire.
Lee Pearson, who has received the MBE, OBE and CBE for his services to equestrianism and disabled sport, said the service saved his life 10 years ago when he fell off his horse and passed out.
He said: "They flew me to Stoke-on-Trent, I was very grateful that the service existed. I think I would have been okay, but with a head injury, you never know and I was in safe hands."
Mr Pearson said: "Eight per cent of the service's call-outs are to people involved in equestrian accidents – that's not surprising for areas like Staffordshire and Shropshire where a lot of people are involved in riding.
"When they asked me to be an ambassador I jumped at the chance."
