By Mal Butler
A man whose life was saved by quick-acting paramedics and the Hants & IW Air Ambulance is organising an event to raise funds for the charity. David Ballard, 74, of Freshwater Bay, was only just recovering from prostate cancer, when he collapsed at home just a month ago.
He explained: “I have nothing but praise for the efficient response of the emergency services. My wife, Esme, found me lying on the kitchen floor on October 4, and remembered FAST: Face (my face had fallen on the left side). Arm (I couldn’t use my left arm). Speech (I couldn’t talk properly) and Time (that was in short supply).
“I can only really remember that my left leg had suddenly given way. The rest felt like a bad dream. The paramedics who responded to the 999 call, did some simple tests and confirmed the stroke.
“Then it was a speedy journey from Freshwater down the Middle Road to Gunville, and St Mary’s Hospital, where a scan confirmed a blood clot on the right side of my brain and a blocked main artery on the right side of my neck. This now has a stent.
“Intravenous drugs failed to deal with the clot and the team contacted the hypercritical stroke unit at Southampton General, who agreed to accept the transfer. This is where the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance comes into the picture. The helicopter took just 10 minutes to cross The Solent, and then it transported me back to Southampton.
“Everything happened in a blur, and without their quick response the outcome could have been so different.”
Now David, who organised the popular charity, Day at the Bay music events for four years around nine years ago, wants to gain support for his fund-raising and is looking for sponsors.
He added: “Getting people on board to help promote the event is vital to its success. I hope to hold it in January in Newport or Cowes.
“At this early stage, I am looking for the support of Island musicians, duos of some kind are preferred, from all genres – blues, folk, opera and popular songs from the extensive American songbook – something for everybody!
“The term duo is flexible; it could be a solo singer with an instrumentalist or two singers backed by a keyboard player. The billing will be pairs of musicians.”
He already has the backing of some of the Island’s top performers, with Simon Clark, of Black Daniels Blues duo, saying: “I don’t know anyone else of David’s age who puts so much into life. It’s great for us to help with his event.”
Singer and actor, Olly Fry, added: “David is a caring, friendly and positive presence. To hear that he is raising money for the air ambulance is super.”
Any business or individual who can help with sponsorship, or perform, can contact David on david@albany-ballard.co.uk.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter 
Carole Dennett