TIRELESS work by Portland Coastguard, volunteers and other emergency services enabled Ellie’s life-saving airlift to be made.

Bruce Lack, the watch manager at Portland Coastguard, said the call for assistance came in at 9.15am on Monday, December 20 and ambulance, coastguard and the Royal Air Force investigated all alternative options before giving the airlift the go-ahead.

He said: “The A35 Ridgeway was closed because a jack-knifed lorry was blocking the way. It was a bit of an epic.

“Bournemouth airport was closed that day as well, which gives an indication of how bad the weather was.”

The helicopter made several attempts to cross the Ridgeway from Portland before making a successful flight at 1pm, arriving at Dorset County Hospital at 1.23pm.

Ellie was airlifted at 1.40pm and the helicopter landed at the Southampton General Hospital helipad at 2.10pm.

Mr Lack said the helicopter had to refuel before it could come back.

He added: “People might not view that as a coastguard incident but we’ve got the resources and when they’re not being used we assist our colleagues in the emergency services.

“If we can save a life, we’re even more happy.”

Weymouth sector manager Rob Sansom, of Dorchester, oversaw the task of clearing the DCH helipad.

He said: “We were using everything and anything we could get our hands on including parts of stretchers.

“There was a real mixture of helpers, some porters, a couple of doctors who weren’t dealing with patients, nurses, reception staff and members of the public.

“The snow was settling as fast as we were clearing it.

“It was a losing battle for a while but we did it.”

Mr Sansom said the road conditions were impassable and flying conditions ‘dangerous’ because coastguard aircraft in the south are not fitted with de-icers, as they are not needed ’99 per cent of the year'.

He said: “She was incredibly unlucky to be that ill on the one day that the weather was so bad.

“Luckily the snowfall didn’t last too long and the family were very grateful that we could do the air transfer.

“It’s one of those jobs you think ‘That’s what we’re here for’ - it’s nice to make a difference and to be a help.”

Bill Boa, director of finance and resources at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust, praised the coastguard team for their ‘terrific response’ on Monday, December 20 and their continued support of DCH.

He added: “We’d also like to thank all the volunteers who helped us keep the helipad clear.”

THE Echo has launched an appeal to enable Ellie to enjoy the Christmas she deserves when she is well enough to return home from hospital.

If you would like to contribute in any way contact Laura Kitching on 01305 830984 or email laura.kitching@dorsetecho.co.uk