A motorcyclist who almost died in a collision with a bus has been to meet the air ambulance paramedic who saved his life.

Ash Kirk suffered massive internal injuries in the collision in Witham Road, Black Notley, in June this year and was taken by the Essex Air Ambulance to The Royal London Hospital.

The forklift truck driver, who had been on his way to work in Cressing, was put into a month long induced coma as doctors removed his spleen and repaired his lacerated liver, fractured pelvis and shattered knee cap.

After three months in The Royal London Hospital Ash returned to his home in Springfield, Chelmsford, and began fundraising for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Last week he visited the base in Earls Colne to meet Laurie Phillipson, the paramedic on duty that day.

Ash said: “My mum started to cry when she hugged him and I must admit I was starting to well up.

“He took us out to see the aircraft and showed me some of the kit I was hooked up to when they put me into the aircraft.

“It amazes me how humble the crew of the air ambulance are and I'm really glad they do the work that they do as without them many people would not be here today.”

Mr Phillipson said: “Ash was one of those patients that through the efforts of everyone involved in his care, was brought back from the brink of death; nobody expected him to survive.

“It's with cases that all the efforts of the people of Essex to raise funds to keep the air ambulance flying add up and become so vital.”

For more information visit essexairambulance.uk.com