AN air hostess is thanking North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) for helping her following a terrifying dog attack.

Emma Lynch, from Wilmslow, was visiting her grandparents in Southport in March when a portion of her nose was lost in the attack, leaving her needing urgent reconstruction surgery.

“The day of the attack is a bit of a blur, but I remember the terror and pain clearly. I’ve never been so scared in my life," said Emma, 27.

"The air ambulance crew arrived so quickly, with the paramedics providing pain relief and calming me down. They talked me through everything they were doing, asking about my job as cabin crew to distract from the situation."

It is 21 years this month since NWAA took its first flight from Blackpool Airport, and it has completed more than 22,000 missions since then, working 365 days a year to take patients to hospital.

Emma says the team 'made the world of difference' to her.

Knutsford Guardian:

Emma following the attack

She added: "I was so lucky to receive their care that day, and it’s thanks to the crew’s quick treatment that meant my reconstructive surgery has been so successful.

"I can’t thank them for their kindness enough, and the charity still keeps in touch. They’ve even invited me to visit the helicopter base, which I am super excited about as it’s my dream to be a pilot.

"I am so grateful to the air ambulance and am really proud to support them. It’s a charity that deserves so much support – it’s full of such special, talented people."

In 21 years, the service has grown from one helicopter to three, launched four rapid response vehicles and opened a second airbase in Barton – all thanks to donors, fundraisers and volunteers.

Knutsford Guardian:

Heather Arrowsmith, NWAA charity chief executive, said: "It takes over £9.5 million a year to remain operational, and we simply wouldn’t be here without this support. By swiftly bringing the hospital directly to the patient, our crew can make the difference between life and death."

The charity, which receives no Government funding, has launched the Go21 fundraising challenge. to mark its birthday – with a range of fundraising activities available.

See nwaa.net/21bday