Good Journeys: If life knocks you down, stand-up!
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Our crew are there for people on the worst days of their lives. Despite that, ‘good journeys’ can be found all around us at the Charity. Whether it’s the enhanced critical care provided from our crew, patients and their families who have gone on to show incredible resilience, or our volunteers, supporters and those who remember us in their will – there isn’t a shortage of stories to tell.
Klaire Alexander has one of those stories.
Sarah Moon, founder of Frank & Moon and co-host of the Good Journeys podcast, shared: “Good Journeys is all about the moments that change us, the people who inspire us, and the journeys both expected and unexpected, that shape our lives.
“Today's guest is someone with a story of extraordinary resilience, determination, and perhaps most surprisingly, laughter.“
A successful Chartered Mechanical Engineer, ultra-marathon runner and mum of four, Klaire was cycling to work in July 2023 when a devastating road traffic collision left her with a severe traumatic brain injury. Our crew were tasked by critical care car, with doctor Jono Holme and critical care paramedic Craig Wilkins arriving on scene in a matter of minutes.
Klaire was intubated by doctor Jono, taking over her breathing, allowing her to be taken by land to Southmead Hospital – a specialist in major trauma. She spent two weeks in hospital before being released to return to husband Peter and their four children.
Against the odds, Klaire has rebuilt her life with remarkable resilience, honesty and humour.
Today, she lives with epilepsy and the lasting effects of her injuries, has retrained in brewing, performs stand-up comedy with the mantra "If life knocks you down, stand-up!" and has raised more than £14,000 for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity who helped save her life.
In June, we even had the privilege of welcoming Klaire as our guest speaker at The Business Club – sharing her story and even a short comedy set!
In the podcast, Klaire explained: “It was obvious that my brain was swelling and I was sort of losing a bit of awareness of what was going on. So they made the decision to intubate me into a coma at the side of the road, which is what was completely lifesaving. The air ambulance are like a portable hospital. They have so much equipment on board that they did something that no one else could have done.“
Ben Veal, founder of Second Mountain, bestselling author of Good Journeys and founder and host of the Good Journeys podcast, explained: “Klaire’s story is so special, so we hope it inspires others and raises more awareness (and funds) for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.”
