A cyclist who was airlifted to hospital with severe facial injuries after hitting a pothole while on a bike ride in Northumberland is gearing up for a challenge to raise money for the air ambulance that helped her.
Zoe Neasham, from Holystone, was training for an Ironman triathlon and was out cycling in Rothbury when she was suddenly catapulted over the handlebars and landed face first onto the tarmac in front of her.
Her injuries required several operations, including facial reconstruction and dental surgery. And she became "terrified" to get back on a bike following the incident on 19 April 2016.
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The 49-year-old said: "I was riding down a hill when I suddenly hit a pothole and struggled to keep control of the bike. I ended up flying over the handlebars and landed face first onto the tarmac in front of me.
"I hit the whole right side of my face and was left with multiple facial injuries including a break in my jaw, four teeth knocked out, torn and lost tissue and deep cuts."
The mum-of-two added: "Having facial injuries knocks your self-esteem and I was terrified to go back on a bike but knowing that I could do something to help GNAAS pushed me to train again."
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) were called to help Zoe and after treatment on scene flew her to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Zoe said: "The GNAAS team's level of care was outstanding, and they were so gentle and kind. I felt very safe and secure, which made a whole lot of difference, as it was the lowest point in my life.
"I just remember the charity’s doctor, Jeff Doran, holding my hand on the flight, but I am incredibly indebted to everyone who helped me."
Since the incident Zoe and her family have visited GNAAS' base in Langwathby and have been reunited with the team who came to her aid. She's also continued to participate in triathlons and completed Ironman UK to raise money for GNAAS.
On 23 April almost seven years to the day of her incident, Zoe will be on the starting line of the London Marathon proudly wearing her GNAAS running vest.
She said: "I will always look for ways to help GNAAS, the generosity of strangers meant that they were there for me so I want to keep them in the air for others.
"I was one of the lucky patients who recovered well and so if pulling trainers on helps, then that is what I will do."
To help support Zoe's fundraising efforts for GNAAS, please donate via her JustGiving page here.
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