Copter rescue

The air abulance at Saddleworth Golf Club

THE president of Saddleworth Golf Club was airlifted to hospital yesterday after he collapsed on the first fairway during a veterans’ competition.

The North-West Air Ambulance was called from its base at Blackpool because of what a spokesman described as the “serious nature of the incident and the inaccessible location”.
Mr Ron Makin (70) was stabilised by the crew before a five-minute flight to the Royal Oldham Hospital, cutting more than 15 minutes from the time it would have taken an ambulance to make the journey by road.

The former Saddleworth parish councillor, who served for four years until 1983, was at first thought to have had a stroke, but friends later said he collapsed due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and he was expected to be sent home from hospital today. They commended the air ambulance for its swift response.

Mr Makin, a former secretary of Stamford Golf Club, Carrbrook, lives in Oldham Road, Grasscroft.

The North-West Air Ambulance is a registered charity which receives no mainstream funding towards its £1.9 million annual running costs. Donations can be made by ringing 0800 587 4570 or by visiting www.northwestairambulance.com