The former chairman of the Cornwall Air Ambulance has died in a tragic road accident in Australia and his wife has been seriously injured.
Harold Chapman and his wife Pamela, also a trustee of the charity, had only recently emigrated to Australia to fulfil their ambition of being reunited with close family members.
The accident is thought to have happened in the last few days and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust confirmed the death today.
A spokesman for the charity said Mrs Chapman was very seriously injured and remained in hospital.
The spokesman said: "Harold was a very special and highly regarded man, who volunteered over 15 years as both Honorary Treasurer and later Chairman of this charity.
"He and Pam stepped down from the board of trustees only a few weeks ago, and were just beginning their new lives in Australia.
"Everyone is devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with Pamela and the other family members."
The charity has opened a Book of Condolence at the charity headquarters at Newquay, donated by funeral directors AC Richards.
The book will be available during office hours Monday to Friday.
Lady Mary Holborow was appointed as the new chairman of the trust in August.
At the time she said: "It is an honour for me to take over the chairmanship, although it will be a very hard act to follow the leadership and dedication of Harold Chapman."
Harold Chapman and his wife Pamela, also a trustee of the charity, had only recently emigrated to Australia to fulfil their ambition of being reunited with close family members.
The accident is thought to have happened in the last few days and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust confirmed the death today.
A spokesman for the charity said Mrs Chapman was very seriously injured and remained in hospital.
The spokesman said: "Harold was a very special and highly regarded man, who volunteered over 15 years as both Honorary Treasurer and later Chairman of this charity.
"He and Pam stepped down from the board of trustees only a few weeks ago, and were just beginning their new lives in Australia.
"Everyone is devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with Pamela and the other family members."
The charity has opened a Book of Condolence at the charity headquarters at Newquay, donated by funeral directors AC Richards.
The book will be available during office hours Monday to Friday.
Lady Mary Holborow was appointed as the new chairman of the trust in August.
At the time she said: "It is an honour for me to take over the chairmanship, although it will be a very hard act to follow the leadership and dedication of Harold Chapman."
