A BUILDING firm from Whiddon Down was at the Chagford Show raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, just three days before a member of staff required the use of the service.

Character Builders South West Ltd were at the show giving away cream teas to raise money for the charity.

Three days later, company director Tom Diffey was air-lifted by the Devon Air Ambulance to Exeter after collapsing with heat exhaustion during the Moretonhampstead Carnival 10k fun race.

Mr Diffey said: 'We have supported the air ambulance every year on our stall — it is a local charity and we knew it was funded solely through donations. We luckily had no first hand experience of the service until a couple of days after the show.

'Unfortunately where I fell was along a riverside track so the access was impossible for an ambulance vehicle, so the air ambulance was called. Their response was amazing. 

'They were there to help within minutes and their team took control straight away. I was unconscious and still have no recollection of what happened. I­ had been running well and was in third place, with the finishing line just around the corner.

'The next thing I remember was coming to on the stretcher as I was lifted over a fence to be put in the helicopter.

'When I was in the air ambulance I was trying to explain to the crew that I had been fundraising for them only a couple of days before and that technically I had paid for a portion of my ride with them - only I don't think I was making much sense as they all kept looking at me like I was mad.

'I can only say a massive thank you and can guarantee that the fundraising efforts by Character Builders will continue.'