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A man who fell through a conservatory roof at an allotment has thanked an air ambulance service for saving his life.

Allan Gardner, from Nottingham, said he suffered "excruciating" pain after slipping when fixing damaged panels in February.

The 71-year-old was treated by Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance (LNAA), with a doctor and paramedic at his side in 16 minutes.

On Monday, LNAA is marking its 30th year since being set up.

Mr Gardner suffered 10 broken ribs and a collapsed lung, and spent three weeks in the Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, recovering.

"The pain was excruciating in my back and chest," he said. "I could hardly breathe and every time I tried to move; the pain would shoot through my body."

He has since met the crew that treated him, and believes the outcome may have been different had they not arrived so quickly.

"They saved my life," he said.

"Their response is quick, the doctors and paramedics can get to you quickly and sort you out before you get to hospital."

LNAA has responded to more than 29,000 calls since it was established, with the Nottingham critical care car called out to 1,377 incidents.

Karen Jobling, the air ambulance's chief executive, thanked the charity's supporters for helping them as they reached the milestone.

She said: "We receive no direct government funding, and have only come this far, thanks to the incredible support from people, businesses and communities in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire."

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