Horse racing stables raise £125k for air ambulance

Charlotte Cole, 23, was airlifted to hospital in 2011, but died from her injuries

A horse racing stables in Worcestershire has raised £125,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance in memory of a former member of staff who died in a horse-riding incident.

Charlotte Cole, who as the yard's head girl was in charge of stable staff, was badly injured in 2011 and she later died in hospital after being airlifted there.

Claire Dyson Racing and Rehabilitation, based in Cleeve Prior, said it has worked with Ms Cole's family for the past 13 years, raising thousands for the air ambulance.

"We hope our support helps others in their hour of need," business owner Claire Dyson said.

"The equestrian world knows just how vital the air ambulance is. We often train in remote areas, and when accidents happen, they can be serious."

Julian Spears, associate clinical operations director at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said crews were called out to help a horse rider once every four days, on average.

He said the business's efforts had "allowed us to reach more patients who were in urgent need of our lifesaving service".