A woman found unresponsive by a dog walker near Maidstone has reunited with ambulance crews and is now campaigning for better mental health and eating disorder support.
Shannon was in her early 20s when a dog walker discovered a trail of belongings in Fant Wildlife Area in September 2022. After following the trail, the dog located Shannon, who was unresponsive and hypothermic. The dog walker immediately raised the alarm, dialling 999 and speaking to Emergency Medical Advisor, Chris.
Shannon, who had been missing for 48 hours, was battling with her mental health and an eating disorder at the time. When ambulance crews arrived, her body temperature was approximately 24°C, far below the normal range of 36.5 to 37.2°C and was in a critical condition.
She was carefully packaged and taken to Maidstone Hospital where she spent two weeks in intensive care recovering.
Three and a half years on, Shannon visited Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre to reunite with Critical Care Paramedic Ben, former SECAmb paramedic, James Stone, who now works for Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and Emergency Medical Advisor, Chris, who took the original 999 call.
Shannon is now studying with the Open University, loves attending concerts and is using her lived experience to support others facing similar challenges.
Exactly one year to the date she was found, Shannon received her autism diagnosis – something she says has played a significant role in helping her understand herself and support her recovery.
Shannon has since become a passionate mental health and eating disorder campaigner, sharing her journey openly on Instagram and TikTok, where her videos reach thousands of people. Through her honest storytelling, she aims to challenge stigma, dismantle stereotypes and push for better understanding and support for those walking the same path.
She actively supports the Dump the Scales charity which is a national campaign calling for improved treatment for people with eating disorders and an end to the judgements often associated with them. Shannon has also taken her campaigning work to Parliament, helping to amplify the voices of those who are too often unheard.
Critical Care Paramedic Ben said “Seeing Shannon back in 2022 has stayed with me and I’ve often thought about how she has been doing in the years since. It was a relief to know she is recovering well. It was fantastic to be able to meet her in person and hear more about all the great work she is doing to support herself and others.”
Shannon said “If it wasn’t for the crew and the dog walker who found me, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I owe my life to them all and I am so thankful they arrived when they did.”