URGENT UPDATE: A shocking battery explosion has sparked a significant fundraising effort for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) by two young boys from Burray. Caleb Sutherland and Louie Wilson are gearing up for a 20-mile cycle to support the air ambulance service that saved Caleb’s father, Gavin Sutherland, just three weeks ago.
In a freak accident, Gavin was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after a battery exploded in his trouser pocket while he was working at Sheila Fleet Jewellery. “It didn’t get bumped or knocked or heated or anything — it was just in my pocket,” Gavin recounted. “All of a sudden, I just felt heat. It was like a firework — it just went off!” The explosion severely burned his leg, prompting his urgent transfer via air ambulance.
The 36-year-old father has since undergone skin graft surgery and is now recovering at home in Burray, where his family is immensely grateful for the swift response of the air ambulance team. His wife, Deborah Sutherland, and their children, Caleb and Ena, anxiously awaited news while he was in transit. “We are just so thankful for the air ambulance that provided the care he could not immediately access in Orkney,” Deborah stated.
To give back, Caleb, aged nine, and ten-year-old Louie have committed to cycling from The Sands Hotel in Burray to Burwick Pier in South Ronaldsay and back, with the ride scheduled for April 19, 2023. The boys have already raised over £1,000 in sponsorship for the charity, reflecting the community’s support for their initiative and the life-saving service provided by the SCAA.
Caleb expressed his determination to make a difference: “I want to help the people who helped my dad when he needed it most.”
This heartfelt endeavor not only highlights the critical role of the air ambulance service but also showcases the resilience and kindness of the local community. You can support their fundraiser online and help ensure that vital services like these continue to operate.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story and the upcoming cycle event. Share this story to encourage others to contribute to this worthy cause.
