A SUFFOLK man whose life was saved by the air ambulance has been awarded damages for the injuries he sustained when he was run down by a car.

Lizzie Parry

A SUFFOLK man whose life was saved by the air ambulance has been awarded damages for the injuries he sustained when he was run down by a car.

Brian Harding, of Wetherden, was walking with his wife Christine near his home on a Sunday morning in September when he stopped to talk to a neighbour.

He was injured after a car came down the narrow lane and struck him.

The 74-year-old was airlifted to the West Suffolk Hospital by the East Anglian Air Ambulance, suffering life-threatening injuries.

He spent 10 days in intensive care suffering head, leg and internal injuries, before being transferred to a trauma ward.

Mr Harding said he was grateful for the prompt work of the air ambulance in helping to save his life.

He said: “My wife and I are extremely grateful for the swift attention I received from the air ambulance. “Without them I might well have died.

“We're extremely fortunate in having the service in this area and I can never thank them enough for what they did for me.”

Ian Comer, a director of Diss based lawyers comercrawley, specialising in personal injury, said the work of the air ambulance had been “vital” for his client.

“Mr Harding had been out for a pleasant Sunday morning stroll with his wife when out of nowhere he was run down and severely injured,” he said.

“The extent of those injuries can be judged by the fact that it was considered necessary to call for the air ambulance.

“Without their involvement it's quite possible that Mr Harding might have lost his life. It was those vital minutes saved both in the initial treatment given by the air ambulance doctor and then getting Mr Harding to hospital which made the difference.

“Mr Harding has made a remarkable recovery from his extensive injuries.”

He said following negotiations responsibility for the accident was admitted by the defendant's insurers and a settlement figure was agreed.