21 Apr 2023
After meeting friends in London one day in November 2021, Mark was on his usual route home back to Ipswich when he slipped in Bank Underground Station. Falling down the steep steps of the station, Mark hit his head and was critically injured.
Mark suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the impact. Within the crowd at the station, there were two off-duty paramedics, who called London Ambulance Service. On first assessment of Mark, the LAS paramedics requested London’s Air Ambulance’s advanced trauma team – Mark did not have enough time to make it hospital. Our crew was dispatched immediately, bringing the emergency department to the scene.
On arrival, London’s Air Ambulance’s first priority was to extricate Mark out of the station into a space where he could be treated more effectively. Mark was carefully carried out, following which our advanced crew induced him into a coma and intubated him. This is something only our crews can do on scene in London. Once in a coma, we were able to protect and preserve Mark’s airway, ensuring maximum delivery of oxygen to his lungs and brain.
Mark was then taken to The Royal London Hospital, where he remained in a coma for a few days. Once the clinicians woke Mark up, he remained in hospital for another three weeks, being discharged on 27 November.
“It’s only because of Becky, my girlfriend, that I was able to be discharged so quickly,” said Mark. “The love and support from her was tantamount to the level of recovery I made.”
With hardwork and tenacity, Mark began the long road of recovery. “It’s still ongoing now,” said Mark. “I attended rehabilitation at Livability Icanho and relearnt many physical capabilities. They helped me a lot with stretching and development exercises.
“My speech is still slower, my stamina not as strong, but I have focused a lot on getting back to running. Something some doctors didn’t think I would be able to do.”
Just over a year later, in March this year, Mark completed a half marathon in Antarctica – an incredible feat. “Initially after my accident, my stamina was very poor. I concentrated on getting better and don’t get so tired so quickly, but my balance is still a little unsteady. This means I don’t run as confidently or as fast as I used to, but I can still run and for that I am so thankful.”
This run meant Mark has now run a half or full marathon on each continent, following previous marathons in Norway, Peru, Australia, South Africa, Burma and New York . This year’s was Antarctica, where the weather added an extra challenge. “It was hard work – the course was very hilly and the temperatures between zero and two degrees Celsius.”
Alongside the marathon, Mark is back at work, has received his driving license back and is enjoying life with Becky. Mark also ran London Landmarks Half Marathon this April. “That was such a good event, so well organised and supported. I enjoyed it!”
Both runs were focused on fundraising for London’s Air Ambulance Charity and so far Mark has raised over £9,000.
“I’m running to say thank you. Thank you to the crew who were there for me that evening.”
This is enough to pay for nearly three whole missions – sending our advanced trauma team out to other critically injured individuals in London. We are so grateful to Mark, thrilled he has recovered so significantly and wish him all the best for the future.
Just like Mark, there are over 10 million people visiting, living and working in London, and we are here for every single one, 365 days a year. But we’re a charity, and need the support of Londoners to continue being there.