Crash survivor who broke his spine takes on charity trek for the crew who saved him

Why it matters: Mr Santos was involved in a serious collision in Hadleigh four years ago and was airlifted by an East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) crew to Addenbrooke's. "Without them I wouldn't be here," he said.

The details: Mr Santos will take on the trek alongside his wife, Beata Grzella, and two friends, Alan Southerill and Izabella Gniadek, on behalf of EAAA. He is aiming to raise £1,000 or more and has so far raised £920.

What they're saying: Mr Santos said: "I was nearly a year in hospital and it has been a tough journey. Looking back, I'm doing good, and thankfully things are a lot better."

He added: "During my recovery, we met a man in a wheelchair in Ipswich who showed me how life can go on. My message to others is – I know it is hard – but don't back down. You have to fight, and you will see the light."

Since the crash, Mr Santos has returned to driving, attends gigs and watches non-league football at Clapton CFC, where he has been advising the club on making its facilities more accessible for wheelchair users. He has since met the crew who saved him and has volunteered to work for EAAA.

"I'm feeling positive about the trek, surrounded by people who will be carrying their own stories," he said.

Beata Grzella, an inclusive and foundation learning lecturer at Suffolk New College's Suffolk Rural Campus, said the accident happened three weeks after the couple became engaged, having met during lockdown.

"After the accident I was off work for a year – I was basically a nurse, and this has all made us stronger," she said. "Pedro is amazing. He is hungry for life. I'm so proud of him for keeping such a positive attitude."

On taking part in the trek, she said: "A year after the accident we got a postcard from the EAAA, and it was such a lovely gesture. They do such an amazing job saving people's lives. It made it easy for us to take on this challenge and give something back."

She also praised colleagues at Suffolk New College. "My team at Suffolk Rural has been super supportive; they were in touch with me all the time – checking on me and Pedro. My friend Gill Atacocugu, who is currently a lecturer in the ESOL department, arranged a care basket for Pedro and me. It melted my heart. Everyone has been so loving."

Craig Shimmon, head of marketing at Suffolk New College, said: "Pedro's story is full of hope, inspiration and courage and we are backing him, Beata and the team all the way."

What's next: Mr Santos has further challenges planned, including travelling from Ipswich to Stowmarket in his wheelchair and a coast-to-coast crossing of the UK for charity. He will also volunteer at the "Only the Brave" event at Thetford Forest at the end of September.

Beata Grzella is fundraising separately for EAAA and has raised £200 so far.

The bottom line: Four years on from a crash that nearly cost him his life, Pedro Santos is channelling his recovery into raising money – and awareness – for the air ambulance crew who saved him.

To donate to Pedro's trek, visit East Anglian Air Ambulance's Trek 24 – Cambridgeshire 2026 page. To donate to Beata's fundraising, visit her page on the same event.

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