A NEWTON Abbot landmark will be lit up to mark this year’s Air Ambulance Week.

At 7pm on Monday, Newton’s Place museum and town hall will be among the locations across the county to be illuminated with blue lights to raise awareness and celebrate the work of Devon Air Ambulance. 

It is part of the national week which highlights the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the country. 

Monday launches with Emergency Services 999 Day when Newton’s Place will join other landmarks illuminated in blue lights to highlight the work of the air ambulance and all emergency and rescue services. 

During the week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, Devon Air Ambulance will also be joining other air ambulance charities around the United Kingdom delivering the message: Today’s Supporter, Tomorrow’s Lifesaver.

So far this year Devon Air Ambulance has been tasked to over 1,700 missions across the county and further afield, forming a vital part of the emergency services response teams.

Past patients who have been helped by the service will be taking part including former PE teacher Mary Marker from Chudleigh who was rescued in 1999. 

Mary Marker who was rescued by Devon Air Ambulance
Mary Marker who was rescued by Devon Air Ambulance (MDA DAA)

Mary had left her home to enjoy a leisurely dog walk but found herself needing the urgent attention of Devon Air Ambulance’s critical care team when she was struck by a car.  

She sustained a broken arm, pelvis, head injuries and more.   

Due to Mary’s injuries and her rural location, the Devon Air Ambulance crew was immediately sent to the scene where their clinicians fully assessed Mary before stabilising her. 

Mary was then airlifted to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where she underwent three orthopaedic operations to repair her arm and pelvis. 

She spent a further 10 days in hospital feeling strongly motivated to improve as quickly as possible as she had an important wedding to attend.

Mary said: ‘There is always someone else who needs DAA’s services, we often see them flying past Chudleigh, particularly over Telegraph Hill where there are a lot of road accidents. 

‘I think everyone in Devon appreciates the service so much, even if they haven’t had to use it personally.’