A woman who says she owes her life to the air ambulance is encouraging people to support the new helicopter appeal.

Becki Sant, from Rilla Mill, had been a beekeeper for several years. Stings were a normal part of the job - and were nothing to worry about. But last summer, while working in her garden, she had an unexpected and terrifying reaction to a bee sting.

’I was with friends who were staying and who wanted to have a look at the bees,’ she said.

’Two of the hives were fine, but I got stung at the third hive. Within about 30 seconds I started to feel really unwell - I was hot and sweaty and I wanted to be sick.

’I’m a nurse, so I knew what was happening. I asked my friends to call my husband Andy.

’Then I threw up and collapsed. Within a few minutes I was unconscious and struggling to breathe due to the swelling in my throat and face.’

Thanks to the speedy arrival of the Cornwall Air Ambulance and the excellent care from both air and land based paramedics, Becki made a full recovery.

‘It really brought home to me the importance of the air ambulance when you live in a rural setting, you just never know when you might need them’ she added.

‘I needed to have that injection. If my throat had closed up completely it would have been a different story.’

Becki, who took the decision to stop her beekeeping because of the risk, is encouraging everyone to come to a fundraising evening in her village.

The Bavarian evening at the Village Hall on September 21 will feature foot stomping music and good food. Travelling all the way from Blackpool to entertain at the event are the Blue Barons Oompah band, and organisers are encouraging everyone to wear lederhosen or dirndls to be part of the fun.

For further information and tickets call 01579 363911 or 07876224684.