Dog walker attack by cattle

Claire Morris, 42, was walking along a footpath with her dog Phoebe when she was butted to the ground by one of the bovines.

She suffered a broken scapular, displaced clavicle, three broken ribs, nerve damage and was left with a hoof mark on her knee.

The mother-of-two managed to scramble to a nearby house where the owners called 999 and the helicopter landed in a field and flew her to hospital.

She said: "Quite what had upset the cows so much remains a mystery but one turned and appeared from nowhere, butting me to the ground.

"Before I knew what was happening a handful of them had gathered round and I took quite a beating. I really did wonder if I was going to get out of it alive.

"Fortunately I let go of my dog's lead and she managed to get away unharmed and was later found safe and sound.

"I managed to get to the nearest house and to my great relief the owners were in and called the emergency services. This is where I owe the Air Ambulance such a debt of gratitude.

"Before I knew what was happening the helicopter was landing in the field at the bottom of the garden and its amazing staff took control of the situation.

"I was quite stressed by the time I got to the house and I could feel my ribs clicking. I was concerned I might have punctured my lungs and I was completely black and blue."

It took the Air Ambulance just 10 minutes to get to Claire and a further five to get to The Conquest Hospital in Hastings where she was kept in overnight before being allowed home the next day.

Claire, a receptionist at a doctor's surgery, was off work for six weeks following the incident in June this year.

She is now planning to raise funds for the life-saving service which rescued her by taking part in a triathlon next year.

Her local dog training club has also raised 750 for the charity which needs 1.7m-a-year to keep the helicopter flying.

Claire added: "My condition was not life-threatening but it makes you really appreciate what a huge difference the service must make to so many people. It really brings a lump to my throat.

"All in all I was very lucky and my only regret is that the one and only time I got a ride in a helicopter was while sedated and flat on my back on a stretcher."

Three years ago, a police officer suffered four broken ribs and a punctured lung after he was repeatedly butted and stamped on by cows on the South Downs near Lewes.

Inspector Chris Poole was attacked by about 50 half-tonne beef cattle and had to be airlifted to hospital by the Sussex Police helicopter.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Air Ambulance should call 01622 833833.

Alternatively cheques can be made payable to Sussex Air Ambulance and posted to Wheelbarrow Park Estate, Pattenden Lane, Marden, Kent, TN12 9QJ.