A man who was involved in a road crash with a four-ton truck is back to his best - and busy helping the charity which saved his life.
Dr Risto Talas is lending his support to Nursling-based Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), which sent a crew to his aid when he broke nine ribs and his back in two places.
In January 2017, during a road collision at Kilmeston, 13 miles north east of Southampton, his right lung collapsed from a flailing rib and another lacerated his liver. The steering wheel smashed his right femur.
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Risto, who is 55 and from Portsmouth, has made a miraculous recovery after receiving urgent medical attention at the scene and wants to do his bit for HIOWAA along with his wife.
He told the Daily Echo: "I had heard of air ambulances but never thought I would be a beneficiary of such an important service. I am just absolutely and totally overwhelmed with positivity towards those who helped save my life.
“I want to give something back. Lindsay and I have been fundraising for the charity for the last seven years through our ‘Curry for 'copters’ lunches and dinners, but only this year have I felt able to apply to join the volunteering team. With my physical difficulties after multiple operations on my femur and constant pain in my back and shoulder, I have limits on what I can achieve so a few hours here and there of volunteering will help me to achieve just that.”
As a former senior lecturer in risk management and researcher in maritime security, Risto has signed up for a talk at Lymington Town Sailing Club on November 13.
And he's using the annual Volunteers’ Week, which runs until Sunday, to help the charity recruit new volunteers.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, Richard Corbett, added: “Everyone has a different reason for volunteering. Whether your life has been directly affected by our service, like Risto, or your recent change in circumstance means you have time and energy to give, you can be sure that your skills, talent and time will help us be there for thousands of patients each year.”
Get involved by emailing volunteers@hiowaa.org or visiting hiowaa.org
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