New helipad in memory of Applecross teen Bethany Walker goes forward
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A COMMUNITY campaign to honour the memory of a Ross-shire teenager is to secure a lasting legacy set to save lives.
An emergency helicopter landing pad is being built in a remote community thanks to the hard graft of locals – and help from a lifeline charity and well-known actor touched by the story of Bethany Walker.
Bethany was just 18 in 2018 when she was airlifted from the Wester Ross village of Applecross to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for urgent medical care after contracting the flu virus, which developed into sepsis.
A journey that would have taken over two hours by road was completed in a fraction of that time by air.
Sadly, Bethany died despite the best efforts of medical staff and the air ambulance, which had to land in the village’s pub car park, the only empty space available at the time.
In her memory, Bethany’s mum, Heather Teale, has been passionate about building a permanent helipad, to reduce the time it takes to get to hospital and potentially help save the lives of critically ill patients in a beauty spot community which also welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
When the HELP Appeal charity – which funds emergency helipads – heard of Bethany's story, it sprang into action, joined by actor Hugh Grant who has connections to the Highlands. That support has helped to meet the £60,000-plus cost of a landing platform – with locals even undertaking the work themselves to keep cost to a minimum.
Ms Teale kickstarted the effort with a community fund which raised £15,000, including a donation from the actor.
Mr Grant said: “Bethany’s legacy of a new helipad will help to save lives in the future. Congratulations and well done to Heather and the HELP Appeal for making it happen. The importance of helipads is often forgotten about, but they are absolutely vital in emergency care along with hospitals and helicopters. Without them, patient treatment can be delayed, which can have a devastating impact on survival rates. This is why more are needed across the country.”
The final £50,000 was donated by Robert Bertram from the HELP Appeal.
Fundraising events, donations and the support of the Applecross Trust, plus the supply of quarry stone from the local estate, all proved vital
Ms Teale said: “Bethany hoped to become a midwife but sadly, she never got the chance to fulfil her dream, but her commitment to caring for others and saving lives will be reflected in this lasting legacy of a lifesaving helipad.
“In an emergency every minute saved in journey time gives patients a higher chance of survival, but in remote communities like Applecross, the Air Ambulance will be saving hours. Thank you to my local community, the HELP Appeal and to Hugh for making this lifesaving helipad a reality.”
The community is so keen to have it operating as soon as possible they are helping to build it themselves.
Dr Chris Ward (70), a retired NHS doctor who also helped secure the funding, and Kenny MacBeath are on-site full-time.
Dr Ward, said: “As a retired doctor, I’m more used to stethoscopes than dumper trucks and rollers, but when you live in a small, remote community like ours, it’s a case of everyone pulling together to get things done. There is exceptional enthusiasm for this helipad and we are all deeply grateful to the HELP Appeal for its support.
"It has ensured far earlier completion than we could possibly have hoped for.”
Robert Bertram, HELP Appeal’s chief executive said: “Heather’s desire for a permanent, lifesaving helipad is one we fully support. This, plus Bethany’s story, is why we immediately agreed to fund one in Applecross, particularly since it will help both residents and the huge number of tourists that visit every year.
“Waiting for the police to stop road traffic, clear car parks or empty parks or hoping a suitable area will be available for an air ambulance to land, is simply not good enough when loved ones are seriously ill. We are doing our best to provide life-saving helipads across the country.”
Related news: Applecross helipad bid follows big-hearted campaign after tragic death of teenager
