THE story of an 11-year-old schoolboy whose life was saved by the quick arrival of an air ambulance followed by 23 hours of brain surgery, is being highlighted by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) to mark Air Ambulance Week taking place from September 7 to 13.

DSAA is using the week to thank supporters who make its life-saving work possible and to encourage others to support the charity and help fund future missions.

It will be showing a film featuring schoolboy Santolo which tells the story of a sudden brain haemorrhage he suffered at home when he was just 11 years old.

After his collapse, Santolo was rushed by air ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, and then to Bristol for specialist emergency treatment.

He has since recovered and now lives a full and happy life.

A Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew walking from their helicopter.
A Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew walking from their helicopter. (DSAA)

An air ambulance spokesperson said: “Santolo’s story is a reminder of why the charity’s service is so important.

“One of the biggest ways local people can support the charity is through our ‘Flight for Life’ lottery which currently funds nearly three days of air ambulance operations every week.”

Last year, DSAA attended nearly 2,800 incidents by air and road with its specialist crew providing pre-hospital critical care wherever and whenever it was needed.

The charity operates for 19 hours a day, and has annual running costs of more than £10 million.

During Air Ambulance Week, on Wednesday, September 9, several of Dorset and Somerset’s best-known landmarks will be illuminated in the charity’s yellow and green colours, helping to raise awareness of the life-saving service and celebrating the help of local people who fund every mission.

Supporters can join the ‘Flight for Life’ lottery online or by calling the lottery office on 01202 849530.