The family of Jamie Walker, one of three Chippenham teenagers killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve, are channelling their heartbreak by raising thousands of pounds for the air ambulance that went to his aid.

Jamie’s parents Ian and Lisa, and his brother Billy, were among those taking part in the 18-mile walk from Bristol to Bath, which has raised thousands of pounds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Jamie’s aunt Sharon Aldridge organised the fundraiser on Saturday, which was attended by his girlfriend, Chelsi Bartlett, and his friend Dan Brunt Murphy.

“I lost my nephew in the car crash and Wiltshire Air Ambulance were there on the scene – they did everything they could but unfortunately Jamie died on the way to the hospital,” said Ms Aldridge.

“I just want to do something for the air ambulance charity.

“They are just such lovely people and they do such a great job.

“Everyone did absolutely brilliantly on the day of the walk.

“We all started at 7am, but we all got up at 5am as we had to drive there or get dropped off there, so we were all a bit tired and groggy, but the pace was good and we did it in just under eight hours.”

Jamie, 17, of Hatherell Road, and his friends George Forester, 17, and Frankie Bowyer, 16, all from Chippenham, suffered fatal injuries in the crash on the A342 in Rowde on New Year’s Eve.

The crash shocked the whole community and brought public outpourings of sympathy for the families.

Ms Aldridge, 42, said: “It has been very, very difficult for the family.

“Everything is a constant reminder with little flashpoints and birthdays; it is too painful for words.

“We are all very close and it has been a huge loss for the whole family.

“We all pulled together and it was time to do something positive.”

Ms Aldridge said that being on the walk and seeing others turning out for it helped to lift the spirits of Jamie’s heartbroken parents.

“That’s the best I have seen them since it happened and it was nice to have everybody together,” she said.

“It was for Jamie, and for Frankie, and for George, in their memory, and to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

Ms Aldridge, who was joined on the walk by her partner David George and eldest son Adam, is keen to repeat a similar charity event next year in order to raise more money for the lifesaving charity.