Former air ambulance patient Neil Granger, along with his wife Karen and the 4x4 off-roading community, held a fundraising day at the Tixover course to raise vital funds for the life-saving Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).

The DLRAA attended Neil after he sustained life-threatening injuries in a 4x4 off-roading accident in April last year.

Neil lost an eye following the accident when a cable in his car snapped and he lost control while reversing up a hill.

Spirits were high when 4x4 off-roading community came together on a cold, wet and muddy day to participate in the 'pay and play' event which raised an impressive £7,820.52 for the air ambulance charity – which is funded entirely by donations.

Event organiser and Neil's wife Karen said: "We all hear about The Air Ambulance Service but we never expect to need them but, following my husband's life-threatening motorsport accident and the help that the DLRAA provided that day, we could not think of any better way to show our thanks and appreciation than to have a fundraising event to raise as much as we could for the charity.

"They, in no uncertain terms, helped to save my husband's life and we are without a doubt truly grateful."

Community Fundraising Executive for DLRAA, Vicky Evans, added: "We were thrilled to be chosen by Neil and Karen Granger and the 4x4 community for a fundraising day in Tixover.

"It is so lovely to see Neil up and about following his accident. The fundraising day had the most incredible support from the 4x4 family as well as the surrounding community, they raised an incredible £7,820.52 to keep us flying!"

There will be another 'pay and play' day this year, along with continuous fundraising throughout 2020.