Brave girl honoured with ambulance service award after horse riding accident
Date: 4 December 2025A horse-loving seven-year-old has received a bravery award from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) and emergency medical charity Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) for her courage during a serious riding accident and her resilience throughout recovery.
Bunny-Mae Dale visited the Bury Ambulance Hub with her mum to collect her award – and enjoyed a special behind-the-scenes tour of her grandfather Jeffrey Beacroft’s workplace, learning how the Make Ready team keeps ambulances stocked and ready to respond.
It was Jeffrey who first shared with paramedics the exemplary care Bunny-Mae received and how bravely she coped. Crews deemed her calmness and determination in her recovery deserved recognition.
On 27 July 2025, Bunny-Mae fell from her horse at livery stables in Cockfield, suffering a fractured femur.
An ambulance crew – Paramedic Harry Craig, Emergency Care Assistant Neil Temlett, and Student Paramedic Abby Hutchin – was dispatched, while volunteer Dr Ben Peirce from SARS responded from his home in nearby Bury St Edmunds, arriving just before the ambulance.
Despite the severity of her injury, Bunny-Mae remained remarkably calm – even before pain relief was given. She was taken to West Suffolk Hospital, where surgeons inserted two pins in her thigh. These will remain until next summer, nearly a year after the accident.
Recovery has been challenging: six weeks in a wheelchair, followed by a walking frame, before regaining strength. For an active child who loves the outdoors, this was tough – but Bunny-Mae stayed positive, focused on her goal of riding again.
Recently, she achieved that milestone and is back in the saddle, chasing her dream of becoming a barrel racer – a rodeo event requiring speed and precision.
Her bravery and resilience were celebrated at the award presentation, marking an incredible journey from injury to recovery.
Jemma Beacroft, Bunny-Mae’s mum, said:
“Bunny was absolutely thrilled to receive her award and had a wonderful afternoon meeting the team who treated her with such great care. I can’t thank them enough.
“It was also her first time visiting her grandad’s workplace, and she loved learning how the Make Ready team ensures ambulances are fully stocked and ready to respond.
“Her bravery on the day of the accident and throughout her recovery has been incredible. She stayed positive and focused on her goal of getting back in the saddle – and she’s achieved that. Bunny’s dream of becoming a barrel racer is as strong as ever, and we’ll support her every step of the way.”
Dr Ben Peirce of SARS said:
“When I arrived, it was immediately clear that Bunny had suffered a serious leg fracture. What struck me just as quickly was her incredible composure and bravery. I’ve treated many patients with similar injuries – including adults – who were in far more pain and distress than Bunny.
“Her courage that evening was remarkable, especially given the severity of her injury.
“Seeing Bunny today, having made such an impressive recovery, and sharing this moment with colleagues from EEAST is a wonderful reminder of the positive impact we can achieve together.”
Harry Craig, Paramedic, said:
“When we arrived, Dr Ben from SARS was already by Bunny’s side, and what struck me immediately was how calm and courageous she was. Despite having a severe leg fracture, she remained composed in a situation that would overwhelm most adults.
“Seeing her today, smiling and back on her feet, is inspiring. It reminds all of us why we do this job – helping people through their toughest moments and witnessing their incredible resilience.”
