THE mother of a teenager whose life was saved by the air ambulance wants people to don their running shoes this April in aid of the charity.

Gael Harvey, from High Garrett, ran the London Marathon this year and managed to raise £4,000 for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, and now she wants other to do the same in 2017.

In 2014, Gael’s 16-year-old daughter Helen was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital with serious head injuries after being hit by a motorcyclist whilst she was walking to school.

The motorcyclist, Bryan Myers, a father of five who was later found to be travelling at 67mph in a 40mph zone, sadly died in the crash.

However Helen survived and thanks to the quick work of the air ambulance crew who attended, she has managed to make an almost complete recovery.

Gael said: “I can’t think of a better cause to support than the Air Ambulance, as it is a registered Charity which receives no Government funding.

“Being attended by a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service makes a real difference to a patient's outcome.

"As a direct result, although Helen's rehabilitation has been lengthy, she is progressing well.”

Shortly after the accident, a campaign to reduce the speed limit on the A131 was started by residents.

Alec Lodge, of Great Dunmow, also ran in aid of the charity after his uncle was trampled by cows in 2015.

He said: “The Air Ambulance landed in a field nearby but couldn’t move him for a couple of hours because of his injuries.

"He was taken to Addenbrookes where he stayed for two months. I raised just over £1,600 for the Air Ambulance at the Marathon.”

Angela Byrne, Herts fundraising and events administrator, said: “We would be delighted to have the support of anyone who has secured their own place in the 2017 run and wants to fundraise for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust.

“EHAAT relies on the generosity and goodwill of people and businesses across Essex and Hertfordshire and without them our helicopters could not continue flying to those people, like Gael’s daughter and Alec’s uncle, who are in critical need.”

The charity are currently selecting runners from a pool of applications - the names of the successful runners will be revealed soon.

For more information visit: ehaat.uk.com.