"Air ambulance saved five hour old son's life"

The birth of a child is the most memorable experience for any parent, but for Jago Silver and his wife Alex, that beautiful moment soon turned to fear as their son developed breathing problems at just five hours old.

Rudy Silver was born on 3rd July 2010 at home, near Wadebridge, in a birthing pool, but it soon became obvious that all wasn't well.

"It was an amazing experience, initially." Said Rudy's father Jago.

"But just as we were introducing Rudy to his sister Lily for the first time, we noticed that he was having trouble breathing.

"Within minutes he went floppy and he turned blue.

"The midwife came straight back, 999 was called and the Cornwall Air Ambulance was dispatched.

"It was terrifying, but the paramedics instantly took control of the situation and Rudy was airlifted immediately to Treliske."

Rudy had a Streptococcus B infection in his lungs, which, had it spread to his blood stream could have been fatal.

"I keep replaying it in my mind, one minute Alex, my wife, and I  were in a happy bubble with our new son and the next minute he was fighting for his life.

"I can't bare to think what would have happened had the Air Ambulance not been able to get Rudy to the hospital so quickly."

Rudy was incubated in the neo-natal unit at Treliske for 10 days and has since made a full recovery.

Now aged two he is looking forward to his third Christmas at home with the family.

Jago, Rudy's father, is a children's book illustrator who lectures at Truro College.

One of his commissions is an illustrated children's bible, which has sold over half a million copies to date.

Jago has donated copies of this book to The Cornwall Air Ambulance to sell through their high street stores.

"I have been sent quite a few copies of the book over the years," laughs Jago "So I decided that the Air Ambulance would benefit more by selling them than having boxes of them in the house.

"Without the Air Ambulance our world this Christmas wouldn't be filled the joy that Rudy brings, we wouldn't have our family.

"I can't thank them enough.  It sounds like a cliché but you never expect to need the Air Ambulance.

"I'm just thankful that they were there for us and for Rudy.

"If I could have one wish this Christmas it would be that everyone in Cornwall donated a fiver to the Air Ambulance so more children's lives can be saved."

Anyone wishing to support the Cornwall Air Ambulance can donate online.  Just visitwww.cornwallairambulancetrust.org