Photo taken by Ollie Shorthold
Last year Charlotte Purcell risked her life to provide first aid to a crashed plane pilot. Her rescue has earned her a bravery award from the Royal Humane Society
William Dewey was a former RAF pilot, but years of experience weren't enough when his fuel gauge picked up a fault last August. As he flew back to Wishanger airfield, the 82 year-old's plane slowly but surely ran out of fuel, until its starved engine gave out over Churt.
Realising something was wrong, the Guildford man aimed for nearby Wisley Airfield, but soon had to steered for Furze Hill to avoid a catastrophic collision with a populated area. Instead, he crashed through the forest canopy and landed upside-down, unconscious.
Charlotte Purcell, a pharmacist and mother of four, lived nearby. She saw the wreckage and rushed to help, using the plane's first aid kit to provide medical assistance. Mr Dewey had broken ribs, spinal damage and a collapsed lung, and doctors put his survival down to Mrs Purcell's swift action.
When Mr Dewey awoke, he shouted for her to run, as the wooden area had been soaked with his remaining fuel. At any moment it could have erupted into a fireball, but Charlotte refused to leave, staying to help him until the emergency services arrived.
Paramedics cut the pilot from the wreckage of the Alpi Pioneer 300, and quickly took him to hospital. He was the first to nominate Charlotte for the award, as he said he owed her "a great debt". "You can imagine how privileged I feel to have met such a brave, kind-hearted and sensitive woman".
An example of the Testimonial on Vellum awarded in 2003
She will receive the Testimonial on Vellum from the Royal Humane Society, an award reserved for those who have put themselves in considerable danger in an attempt to save someone else. The award's name is historical - rather than calf skin it's now made from fine quality card - but each is signed by HRH Princess Alexandria, the society's president.
The society's secretary, Dick Wilkinson, called Charlotte a "true heroine".
"It wasn't a question of being exposed to danger for a short time - she was there in this dangerous situation for a long time before professional help arrived."
"The plane could easily have caught fire or exploded, but she didn't hesitate in going to the help of Mr Dewey. He owes his life to her swift and courageous action."
Visit the Royal Humane Society's website to learn more about their awards and nominations
