Joanna Ovenden (Jo) was in a serious road traffic collision in December last year. She was flown directly to Southmead Hospital where she was treated for multiple broken bones. Jo kindly shares her story, describing the role of emergency services and her recovery journey, which even included joining our Marathon in a Month Challenge!

Serious road traffic collision near Shaftesbury

I was en-route to my late-night yoga class, heading towards Shaftesbury near the Motcombe Show Ground, when I was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Fortunately for me, I have absolutely no recollection of what happened but was aware on some level of the incredible professionalism of all the emergency services who came to my aid. I am told by a friend, who happened to be part of the fire crew on duty that night, that the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) team were absolutely phenomenal in taking control of the scene, as they worked to get me out of the vehicle.

Emergency services response at the scene

I was flown straight to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where it was confirmed that I had broken bones in all four limbs, as well as three ribs. I underwent two days of surgery to plate and pin broken bones, as well as complex plastic surgery to reconstruct my lower left leg.

After two weeks in Southmead, I was transferred to Yeovil Hospital so that I could be nearer family and friends, but not before the lovely Chloe from the charity’s patient and family liaison team had been to visit. She explained the support network that was in place for myself and my family and now, six months on, we are working with Chloe to arrange a visit to meet some of the team who treated me, not least so that we can thank them in person.

Rehabilitation and return to teaching

I have a great network of family, friends, physios and colleagues around me and I am working hard on my rehabilitation. With the support of the RiversMeet gym team in Gillingham I am getting stronger every day and I have recently been able to return to my job as a teacher at Gillingham School.

Fundraising through the Marathon in a Month Challenge

As soon as I was able to walk a mile, I knew I wanted to do something to give back and raise money for DSAA. I was delighted to complete the ‘Marathon in a Month’ Challenge by walking a mile every day in April. Being stubborn and competitive in nature, I added various challenges to my daily mile, which by the end of the month included walking up Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. I was really pleased to raise £2,780 and increase awareness of the life-saving work of DSAA – I will be forever in their debt.

Next: Chelsea's Story