Children donate a year's pocket money to air ambulance that saved boy's life

Dylan Kneebone by the ambulance that saved his life
Dylan Kneebone by the ambulance that saved his life



A young boy and his sister have donated all their pocket money for the year to the Air Ambulance service that saved his life.

Every year, Dylan Kneebone, aged 10, and his six-year-old sister Kyrie, from Redruth in Cornwall, save up all their cash to buy themselves something special; last year Dylan's went towards a new bike.

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This Christmas, though, the two children are giving the entire contents of both tins – £117.81 – to Cornwall Air Ambulance, as thanks for saving Dylan's life.


Dylan and Kyrie in the air ambulance
Dylan and Kyrie in the air ambulance



"They both saved up their pocket money throughout the year, but instead of buying something for themselves they wanted to donate the money to Cornwall Air Ambulance," says Dylan's mum Linsey.

"They know it's a charity and their money will go towards keeping the helicopter flying and saving lives."

In 2014, Dylan suffered a collapsed lung and internal bleeding when a horse box ran over his neck and chest.

Paramedics were able to re-inflate Dylan's lung and stem the bleeding, but his injuries were so severe his family were told to prepare for the worst. It was later discovered that Dylan's other lung had been completely severed from his windpipe.

It was only the actions of the Cornwall Air Ambulance team that saved his life, taking just four minutes to fly him to Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, where a paediatric team was waiting at the door.

Following an operation - and two weeks in an induced coma - Dylan was up and about within a month. He has since kept in regular touch with the air ambulance service.

Cornwall's air ambulance deals with around 700 emergencies every year and costs £3 million a year to run.

"For Dylan and Kyrie to donate their pocket money to help keep the air ambulance flying shows what great kids they are. We're very grateful for their generosity," says Mick McLachlan, one of the Cornwall Air Ambulance paramedics that treated Dylan.

"We really enjoy it when anyone we've helped comes to visit us, but it's always that bit extra special to see Dylan running around full of energy, considering how severe his injuries were. He certainly spread some festive cheer here at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust."




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