JUST TWO days after signing up to raise cash for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, a woman from Pewsey learned the service's real value, when her brother was airlifted after he was seriously injured in a motorbike accident.

Now Iona Cook, 23 and her brother Harry, of Haines Terrace, Pewsey, have handed over almost £2,000 to the Air Ambulance Appeal, with Harry getting to say thanks face-to-face with the paramedic who he feels saved his life at the roadside.

Harry broke his neck in two places in the crash last December, as well as breaking his back, legs and ribs. He was on his way to work in Ludgershall when his Moto Roma was involved in the crash with a BMW Z4 on Marlborough Road. After he was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital he had to undergo a number of operations and spent Christmas in hospital.

This week Harry said he is "over the moon" with the care he received from Wiltshire Air Ambulance - he is recovering well and can now walk using a stick.

Harry said: "I couldn't have asked for better support and I can't thank them enough for saving my life. I have been following them on Facebook and it seems like they have been helping lots of people recently.

"They have actually kept in touch with me and came to see me when I was in hospital. When I went and gave them the cheque from Iona's half marathon they were really pleased to see how much I had recovered.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported Iona by donating and of course to Wiltshire Air Ambulance."

Mum Jo Cook said: “I said to Iona when she was talking about doing the Bath Half Marathon, why don’t you choose Wiltshire Air Ambulance, because you never know when you will need its service. Just a couple of days later Harry did.

“She raised £1,986, we are delighted with the support she has received in her fundraising. When we went to donate the cheque Harry even went up in the helicopter - he was determined to do it. He also met the Ben the crew member who was there to take him to hospital. It must be quite hard to pick someone off the road and not know what happens to them.

"Harry is now back at home, but it will be a long road to recovery. We are going to do another fundraising event soon. Iona and all of us would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to Iona for the Bath Half."

Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £3.25 million a year to keep the crew and helicopter flying to save lives the surrounding counties.

Fundraising co-ordinator Kenresa Stratford said: “The commitment behind Iona’s fundraising following Harry’s accident has been utterly phenomenal and we’re so grateful to her and the Cook family for their support. The amount she raised is impressive.

“We were honoured to meet Iona, Harry and their parents at our Operations Centre in Devizes and to see him recovering well. His determination has truly inspired the team and we wish him all the best in his continued recovery.”