An air ambulance rescue of a Masham cricketer who snapped his ankle while playing is set to feature on a television series tonight.
Brendan Jackson, 15, was playing for Masham Cricket Club’s second team in April this year when he was injured.
During a match at Walton Park Cricket Club near Wetherby, Brendan caught his studs in the crease while bowling his third over. He dislocated his ankle and fractured both bones in his lower leg.
A helicopter from Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched from Topcliffe Air Base in Thirsk to complete the 20-mile journey to the club.
Upon arrival, paramedics administered gas and air to alleviate Brendan’s pain.
Brendan described the crew who arrived on scene as “superheroes”. He said:
“I remember my first reaction vividly; it was a mix of shock and fear. I just looked down, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my word, what has happened, and will I ever be able to play cricket again?’ It was a terrifying moment for me.
“When the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team showed up, it was a massive relief. They were like superheroes, and I’m so grateful for how they were able to take away some of my pain. I can’t thank them enough for being there.”

A still from Helicopter ER, which features Brendan’s rescue.
Brendan was also given Ketamine medication to help relieve the pain, but also give a dissociative effect and help him cope with the traumatic experience.
After his leg was put in a splint, he was transferred to Harrogate District Hospital for surgery.
Diane Sharp, Brendan’s mother, said she remembered the incident as a “traumatic day”. She said:
“I didn’t see his leg initially; I just thought he had tripped. But once I heard him shouting in agony, I knew I had to rush over and keep him as calm as possible until more help arrived.”
The rescue by Yorkshire Air Ambulance is set to feature on an episode of television series Helicopter ER tonight.
The new series will be broadcast on Quest at 9pm.
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Woman seriously injured in Masham tractor accident becomes fundraiser for rescuers
A woman seriously injured in a tractor accident near Masham has become a fundraiser for the air ambulance charity that came to her rescue.
Michelle Raine suffered a broken pelvis and serious spinal injuries when a tractor she was a passenger in rolled down a hill in August 2017.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance provided her with critical emergency medical care, pain relief and airlifted her to Leeds General Infirmary.
Ms Raine underwent emergency surgery to stabilise her pelvis and during her two-week hospital stay she also battled pneumonia, which resulted in the collapse of her lungs.
She then spent two months in a wheelchair but eventually made a full recovery.
Ms Raine, whose rescue was broadcast on the TV programme Helicopter ER, has now become a community fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
She said:
“Their swift response and expert care during my accident were nothing short of miraculous.
“Now, as part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance family, I cherish the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others, just like they did for me.”
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Ms Raine’s passion for the cause has been evident a long time already: one year after her accident she organised a fundraising ball that raised £15,000 for the charity.
Regional fundraising manager Linda Stead said:
Woman speaks of ‘life-changing injuries’ after Masham cow attack“Michelle is an invaluable asset to our fundraising team. Her firsthand experience as an ex-patient allows her to connect with donors and supporters on a deeper level, inspiring them with her remarkable journey and gratitude.”
A woman has spoken about being left with “life-changing injuries” after she was attacked by a herd of cows in Masham.
Janicke Tvedt had to be air-lifted to hospital for emergency surgery after the ordeal, which occurred when she was walking her dog on a footpath off Foxholme Lane in July.
As Ms Tvedt, her partner and dog headed to leave the field they were approached by a herd of around 30 cows and two calves.
A lone cow with two calves attacked the dog, which was on a lead, and as the couple attempted to escape the field three cows blocked their exit and trapped them against a hedge. Cows with calves sometimes instinctively attack dogs.
After sniffing them for some time, the cows attacked the dog, which pulled Ms Tvedke to the ground. A cow then stamped on her abdomen, chest and throat before another fell onto her leg and rolled on top of her.
Her partner managed to get her up and to a tree where they were surrounded for about 20 minutes until the cows left them alone. They were then able to leave the field and Ms Tvedt was put in the recovery position by her partner whilst the police, ambulance and air ambulance came to her aid.
She was left with seven broken ribs, other ribs partially fractured and a broken thumb. The trampling also destroyed part of her colon and after two days of sedation she had a colostomy bag fitted.
Ms Tvedt spoke of her “traumatising” experience:
“I know I’m very lucky to still be here. It’s had a huge impact on my life, I’m now having to take time to come to terms with what’s happened to me and how it’s changed my life.”
Hoof prints of chest
Nearly six months on from the ordeal, Ms Tvedt is waiting for her colostomy bag to be removed, which is likely to be in March next year. She still has two large hoof prints on her chest.
She is also waiting for two hernias to be removed from her chest and to be given the go-ahead from an ear, nose and throat specialist to return to singing in her local choir.
Ms Tvedt has been attending regular counselling since the attack and says she is very wary of where she walks her dog now.
She had been due to go into surgery for cancer a few days prior to the incident but it was delayed.
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Ms Tvedt’s ordeal was discussed at a recent Masham Parish Council meeting where a police community support officer Alison Swan said officers were hearing of more cow attacks, especially among tourists, and more warning signs were required.
The parish council heard that the farmer of the field had put up additional warning signs since the incident but these had been pulled down. The farmer had requested to have the path re-routed to the adjacent arable field but this had been refused.
Cllr Atkinson recommended the parish council write to the county council in support of moving the footpath to try to add weight to the application.
The council added it would speak to the farmer again to try and find way to prevent a similar incident happening again, for instance by putting up sturdier signs.
The incident is set to be included in the TV series Helicopter ER next year.