A widower whose wife died after visiting Clumber Park to go horse riding with friends, is raising funds for the air ambulance that airlifted her to hospital.

Gary Baxter's wife Sam, 57, received fatal injuries when with her horse in Clumber Park, on October 16, 2025.

No-one knows exactly what happened, said Gary, but it may have been that the horse was spooked in some way.

Clare Credland from Worksop was walking in the park when she heard Sam's scream and went to investigate, then she called the emergency services.

Keen horsewoman Sam Baxter was airlifted to hospital from Clumber Park by the air ambulance team.

placeholder image — Keen horsewoman Sam Baxter was airlifted to hospital from Clumber Park by the air ambulance team.

"Many people would just have carried on walking," said Mr Baxter. "The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance attended, and what they did that day was outstanding.

"The medics gave Sam a chance and gave us hope."

Sam, a sales manager with BT's Plusnet, was taken to Northern General Hospital at Sheffield, then after a couple of weeks was transferred to Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital's neurological ward, where Gary had been treated for a brain tumour the previous year.

Despite multiple surgeries and specialist neurological care, she died there on November 1 with Gary and sons Callum and Ryan by her side.

Gary Baxter visits the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance team he is raising money for, with his sons.

"Sam had ridden all her life and held a permit to ride in Clumber Park," added Gary. "She went regularly and met friends there for a morning ride, leaving the horsebox near the caravan site.

"I'm sure that she would have died on the day of the accident were it not for the air ambulance team. We're so grateful that they gave Sam another chance and gave all of us hope and some more time.

"Their aftercare is also wonderful. We've met them a few times since, and really want to help with their work. They struggle with funding, and no-one knows when they might need them."

A fundraising page has been set up, and everyone who makes a donation is entered by Gary into a raffle organised by Sam's friends, that has exceptional prizes including weekends away, shopping vouchers and much more.

It will be drawn at a show to finalise various fundraising efforts by Gary and Sam's friends on September 26.

To donate in honour of Sam Baxter, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ln-air-ambulance-for-sam-baxter-utm5c