🏥🚁 Freddie Flintoff, the former cricketer and TV star, is championing the cause of helipads in hospitals after experiencing their life-saving impact first-hand. Following a dramatic crash during filming for Top Gear in December 2022, Freddie was airlifted to St George’s Hospital, where he received urgent care thanks to a helipad funded by the Help Appeal charity.
Freddie shared, “That helipad wasn’t just a spot to land; it was a lifeline that gave me immediate access to specialist care which saved my life.” His heartfelt support aims to ensure more hospitals across the UK are equipped with this vital facility.
Help Appeal has already made 30,000 helicopter landings possible at NHS hospital helipads, but they aim to expand further by funding 40 new and upgraded sites. Robert Bertram, the charity’s chief executive, praised Freddie, saying, “His story highlights why our work is crucial – seconds count in an emergency.”
Sir Keith Porter, a clinical trauma expert, stressed, “Having on-site helipads ensures rapid delivery of patients straight into emergency care, often making the difference between life and death.”
Freddie also recently visited St George’s Hospital to thank the NHS staff he calls “superheroes” for their “expertise, love, and compassion” during the toughest time of his life. He recounted the terrifying moment of the crash, thinking he might not survive, but his cricket instincts kicked in to reduce the impact.
For months, Freddie lay low, but he’s back and sharing his journey in a documentary on Disney+. His support is bringing much-needed attention to the importance of swift emergency care access. 🚨🦸♂️
Help save lives by supporting the push for more hospital helipads—because every second matters. ⏱️🛬