A boy who fell off his scooter and tore his windpipe on Exmouth seafront has shared his story to raised awareness for Devon Air Ambulance (DAA).

This year DAA has seen a loss of income of nearly £2million, due to the hundreds of fundraising events cancelled throughout Devon, leaving a huge hole in the finances of this life-saving service.

Harry is one of many who has shared his personal account with the charity that saved his life in a bid to help support DAA's Christmas 2020 Appeal, 'There to Care'.

The run-up to Christmas 2016 was one that the Tansley family from Exeter will never forget - on December 20 the then 8-year-old Harry had a freak accident that left him fighting for breath.

Harry, with his dad, Simon, and brother, Ben, was out on his scooter on Exmouth seafront when he toppled, and the handlebar of his scooter caught him in the throat as he fell.

The effect was immediate. Harry had a tear in his windpipe causing air to form under his skin with every breath he took.

Simon immediately called 999 and first responders were swiftly on scene.

They administered an IV drip and called for emergency back up from Devon Air Ambulance.

A helicopter with two paramedics and a doctor was despatched, as well as an emergency car with a further two paramedics.

Despite Harry's face, chest and stomach swelling with every breath, he and Simon remained calm and Harry was able to answer questions coherently.

Aircrew paramedic John Shaddick said: "When we arrived, Harry looked like an 8-year old body builder, he was swollen from his head to his groin.

"But he and his dad were both amazing – Harry really was a 'perfect patient', particularly considering what was happening.

"Among the Devon Air Ambulance aircrew that day was Dr Reed who administered an anaesthetic and a tube was inserted to stop Harry's throat swelling shut and to keep him breathing.

"It was a most unusual situation but the teamwork of everyone working together was brilliant."

As soon as Harry's condition was stable, he was transferred to the Air Ambulance for the flight to Bristol Children's Hospital.

Dad, Simon, flew in the aircraft with his son and said: "I was so grateful for everything Devon Air Ambulance did that day.

"From the expertise of everyone looking after Harry at the scene, to the speed that we reached Bristol, it was all incredible. The journey by road would have taken so much longer!

"As it was, within 30 minutes of leaving Exeter, Harry was being taken through to the Emergency Room for further help."

At Bristol Children's Hospital, Harry was placed in an induced coma and monitored closely for the next few days. Incredibly, when he was gradually woken up on Christmas Eve, his family were amazed and relieved to learn that his windpipe had 'healed itself' and there was no longer the need for surgery.

Christmas Day was made all the better with a visit from Santa Claus in the morning and, amazingly, he was discharged from hospital in the afternoon and able to return home.

Not surprisingly, Devon Air Ambulance has a very special place in all their hearts - Harry's mum Justine said: "DAA saved our son's life and we owe them everything; this is not just our opinion but the opinion of other medical experts.

"In the months that followed, we all dealt with the accident differently and it was particularly hard for Ben.

"The memories of that Christmas will never leave us, but we have learned to live with it.

"Harry recovered really well; he's now 12 and at senior school. He still loves his scooter, along with his bike and, this summer, he developed a love for paddle-boarding. And his best friend is our golden retriever, Lenox – they're inseparable!"

"Thank you for helping young patients like Harry by supporting our Christmas campaign this year. Your generosity helps us to continue to be there to care."

Devon Air Ambulance now needs your help. Show that you care this Christmas and help to support the There to Care appeal by clicking HERE.