Sally’s life-saving legacy

Sally Shepherd, who died in 2022, never forgot the help she received from EAAA and wanted to leave a life-saving legacy for others. In this article, Sally’s daughter, Sarah, has very kindly shared a special insight into her Mum’s kindness for others.

“Mum was a bit of a character,” Sarah explains. “She was an avid gardener and loved playing golf. She was quite an anxious person, so when she needed help from East Anglian Air Ambulance, it meant everything to her - not just physically, but emotionally too.”

It was 2007 when Sally was driving through West Norfolk when she suffered a heart-related incident at the wheel, which caused her to lose consciousness. The car swerved into a ditch at the side of the road. East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked by air to assist the ambulance service at the scene.

“Mum was cut out of the vehicle. She was lucky that she hadn’t suffered any significant injuries, but it wasn’t known what was going on with her heart that had caused her to lose consciousness, so EAAA transferred her by helicopter to hospital.” Sarah says.

Sarah was working nearby at the time and, having received a call about her Mum’s incident, saw the incident site on her way to the hospital.

“It was surreal. I was in a state of shock when I saw Mum’s car on its roof in a ditch,” she adds.

The hospital confirmed that Sally had suffered a cardiac incident. She had a pacemaker fitted and returned home a few days later.

However, Sally always remembered the help she had received from EAAA.

“When Mum was younger, she used to work as cabin crew for British Airways so flying was in her blood. She was unbelievably grateful for the help she received from EAAA. It really did mean everything to her, and she never forgot it.” Sarah continues.

In the months that followed, Sally and her family visited the EAAA base in Norwich to meet the crew who attended her. Sarah explains that this was an inspiring and humbling experience for them all.

“Mum was in awe and was so appreciative.”

East Anglian Air Ambulance treats on average five people every single day. The charity receives no regular government funding, relying almost entirely on public support. Sally decided to leave a gift in her Will to EAAA to ensure that others in the future could receive life-saving critical care in the moments that they need it most. When Sally died in 2022, her estate was distributed according to her wishes, and her legacy is now saving lives across the region.

Sarah adds that people of any age can make a Will to make an impact on charities and good causes that are close to their hearts.

“Making a Will may often be seen as something only older generations do, but Mum’s gift has certainly made me think about who I want to benefit when I die.”

Sarah says: “Leaving a gift in her Will to EAAA was such a positive thing to do. Mum had been very aware that EAAA relies on donations and fundraising to deliver its vital service. She knew that she could make a substantial impact and wanted to make a difference.

“She would be heartened to know about the life-saving treatment and care this is providing to others, and that we are continuing her legacy by sharing her story.”

A heartfelt thank you to Sally for her very special and personal gift to EAAA, and to Sarah and her family for sharing Sally’s inspiration and kindness in wishing to provide life-saving critical care to others.

Learn more about how your gift could provide future generations with the best chance of survival.