Family of Peterlee man who suffered cardiac arrest raise thousands for Great North Air Ambulance Service
The family of a man who tragically died nearly nine years ago are continuing to honour his memory by raising money for the air ambulance charity that tried to save his life.
Stephen Lee was 61 years old when he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Peterlee on 13 December 2017.
The emergency services were called, and both the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) responded to the scene and tried to save his life.
Stephen was regarded as a devoted family man who went above and beyond for his loved ones, including his elderly mother and father and mother-in-law.
Following his death, several members of his family have collectively raised thousands of pounds to support the work of the air ambulance service.
His daughter Sophie Lewis took part in a Boxing Day dip with her best friend Shannon and raised over £300.
Sophie’s husband Cameron has ran the Great North Run seven times and raised over £5,000.
Even the family’s beloved Shar Pei dog Leo, who they got to help them through the heartbreak of Stephen’s loss, has been to several dog shows including the air ambulance service’s Whirlybird Woof Fest.
Recalling the loss of Stephen, Sophie, who was aged 22 at the time, said: “My dad became very poorly very quickly.
“We remember the air ambulance staff being so professional that night.”
She added: “My Dad was a family man, he did everything for his family. He enjoyed his sports, especially when he was younger, he was a long-distance runner and every sport he put his mind to he was always top of the class.”
Following Stephen’s passing, Sophie suffered with anxiety and depression and later on PTSD, while his wife Denise was depressed and truly heartbroken, and Stephen’s parents were devastated losing their son.
The family have pledged to continue raising money for the air ambulance service which is reliant on charitable donations and currently need to raise £9.6m a year to remain operational.
Sophie said: “We will continue to raise as much money as we possibly can for GNAAS as it is such an amazing charity, and the paramedics, doctors and pilots are incredible.”