Back in 1999, the summer holidays had just begun for Chudleigh PE teacher, Mary Marker, who was enjoying a leisurely dog walk on the outskirts of the village.  

With dog-lead firmly in-hand at the end of the footpath, Mary approached a gateway leading out onto the road ahead. As she gingerly edged through the gate to check for oncoming traffic, she was immediately struck by a vehicle sending her up and over the car before landing with a broken arm, pelvis, head injuries and more.  

The dog pulled away as I must have let go, the lead leaving marks on my hand.  He must have waited across the road - a neighbour recognised the dog and told the police who I was. He was completely fine, just interested in getting his dinner!

Due to Mary’s injuries and her rural location, the Devon Air Ambulance crew was immediately sent to the scene. Here, our clinicians fully assessed Mary before stabilising her for the journey ahead.

Mary was conveyed by air ambulance to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where she underwent three orthopedic operations to repair her arm and pelvis. She spent a further ten days in hospital feeling strongly motivated to improve as quickly as possible as she had a wedding to attend.

'Fortunately, I hadn’t broken my neck or back. I was desperate to get out of the hospital and as a PE teacher I knew which exercises I needed to do to get better and determination will get you there. My eldest son was due to get married in Norwich and I had to be there!’

Gratitude and determination

Thankfully, Mary made enough progress to enjoy her son's wedding with the family and she has subsequently directed that determination to 25 years of fundraising activities in support of Devon Air Ambulance.

Thanks to their swift help I have had 25 years of playing my accordion, dancing and hosting, and I remain fit and lively today.

‘I have done something to fundraise for DAA on most of my birthdays ever since my accident. For my 70th I held a Neighbours’ Dance event and more recently for my 80th we raised more than £400 with a folk music event!’

Folk music fundraising success

In summer 2024, 25 years after her incident and to celebrate her 80th birthday, Mary ran an afternoon folk music workshop at Chudleigh Community Hall followed by an evening dance with the music workshop band.

The event raised £455 for Devon Air Ambulance as well as £89 for Devon Folk, and Mary was supported by her husband, family, and friends from many clubs across the county in leading another highly successful and enjoyable fundraising event.  

‘There is always someone else who needs DAA’s services,' says Mary. '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. We all know that we live in a tricky part of the country with the moors, valleys, coastal paths, horses, and farming machinery that are all big risks.’

Thank you, Mary, for your 25 years of amazing support and dedication, and thank you for sharing your story with us. It is never too late to share your own story if you, or a loved one, has been assisted by our crew, please get in touch.  

Together, we are Devon Air Ambulance. To share your story, get in touch at [email protected] or submit your details.