Oldham grandmother, 70, walks 350 miles for air ambulance after son-in-law's crash

When Pat Hibbert's son-in-law Mike was hit by a car near his children's school in Dukinfield last October, the North West Air Ambulance paramedics who arrived at the scene quite literally saved his life. Mike suffered multiple broken bones, collapsed lungs, and other life-threatening injuries that required immediate, expert care before he could even reach hospital.

Determined to give something back to the service that kept her family together, the 70-year-old from Oldham decided to walk five miles every day for 70 days-completing 350 miles on her 70th birthday. 'I'm not a runner and I wouldn't call myself sporty,' Pat admits, 'but I enjoy walking, and it felt like the right way for me to say thank you.

The challenge raised £1,500, split between the North West Air Ambulance Charity (£1,000) and a patient wellbeing appeal at Manchester Royal Infirmary (£500). On her final walk, 15 family members joined her from across the UK, staying overnight so they could complete the last five miles together on December 1st.

Pat's efforts highlight something many of us take for granted-that our air ambulance service depends entirely on public donations to keep flying. 'Knowing the service relies entirely on public support made this even more important,' she says. 'It means other families can receive the same care when they need it most.

Inspired by his mother-in-law's determination, Mike is now training to run the Manchester Marathon to raise further funds for the air ambulance charity. It's a remarkable turnaround for someone who, just months ago, was fighting for his life after being struck by a car near his children's school.