Norfolk NFU adviser to run London Marathon for air ambulance

Flora Archer fell and banged her head on a kitchen unit after suffering a seizure at her home in Scarning, near Dereham, in 2015.

While she was losing oxygen to her brain, medics from the East Anglian Air Ambulance arrived with minutes to spare, taking control of her breathing before she was taken by land ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further treatment.

Now, nine years later, Miss Archer is preparing to run the London Marathon on April 21 to raise money for the air ambulance and thank the people who saved her.

Miss Archer, who works as Norfolk county adviser for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), also wants to help the charity continue its vital work in protecting farmers and people in rural communities across East Anglia.

"This charity will always have a special place in my heart," she said.

“If it wasn’t for the prompt medical attention I received from Dr Pam Chambers and the rest of the crew I would not be here today.

“I know others in farming who have been saved by the air ambulance. It is such a vital service for rural communities.”

Since her fall in 2015, Miss Archer has been diagnosed with epilepsy.

She had experienced one other seizure, the previous year, when on holiday in Cyprus and doctors at the time could not establish the cause. She now takes medication and has had no further seizures since.

The London Marathon will be Miss Archer's first attempt at the 26-mile distance.

She said: "The training has been really tough, but I’ve wanted to give something back to them for a long time and hope to raise as much money as I can. They rely on public donations to keep going.

"Any support anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated."

To donate, visit http://tinyurl.com/yykar33f

Norfolk NFU adviser Flora Archer will run the London Marathon for the first time on April 21 (Image: NFU)