Brain injury survivor Ash won’t forget his heroes

Leamington Royals founder Ash Howlett was rushed to hospital with two blood clots on the brain, a broken skull and eye, cheek and nose injuries after being accidentally kneed in the face during a match last July.

The 26-year-old was treated faster than expected as an air ambulance that happened to be flying overhead at the time came to his aid and airlifted him to hospital, where he had metal plates inserted into his face.

Although he has now fully recovered and remains involved in the Royals as head coach, he will not be able to play rugby again. But he and fellow Royals members are taking part in the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Heroes Run at Stoneleigh Abbey on Sunday to show their support for the organisation.

Ash said: “The ambulance crew was incredibly professional and once they had landed I was in the helicopter and flying within a matter of minutes.

“They made sure I was comfortable and understood what was likely happen once I arrived at hospital.

“It’s not the way I imagined my first helicopter flight but I am eternally grateful none the less.”

Having nearly lost his sight, Ash had to wait for almost two weeks before he could undergo surgery due to swelling on his brain and he was then off work for two months.

He has since gained a new job as a League for All officer for the Rugby Football League and asked his partner to marry him. He said: “In many ways, the accident helped my identify the priorities in my life.

“But I wouldn’t like to think what would have happened to me or others in a similar situation had the WNAA not been there to help us. The WNAA needs our support, so please consider running the Heroes Run or donating to someone who is.”

Paramedic Brian Dwyer said: “Ash had suffered numerous injuries and his condition was very serious when we attended the game. When treating head injuries such as this, speed is very much of the essence and illustrates the vital service that WNAA provides in providing medical attention on the scene and quickly transferring patients to the best hospital to treat their injuries.”

Anyone can take part in the event on Sunday (dressing up as a (super)hero is encouraged) which starts at 10am, and walk or run 5km or 10km.

To sign up or find out more, call 0845 4130999.