A boy who suffered catastrophic injuries after being knocked off his bike has been able to thank the air ambulance crew who came to his aid.

Billy McLaren was in a coma for three days after the incident in Wayfield Road, Chatham, on Sunday, September 15.

He was taken by ambulance to Rochester Airport - the base of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) - where paramedics rendezvoused with an air ambulance emergency medical crew who had flown in to take over Billy's care.

The crew stayed with him whilst he was further transferred by ambulance to King's College Hospital, London.

Billy had reduced levels of consciousness on the journey and the AAKSS team had to put a tube in him to protect his airways and breathing.

The 13-year-old spent three weeks in hospital and has not been able to return to Greenacre Academy where he is a pupil.

He visited the crew yesterday (Friday) with his mother and younger sister Elsie.

Mum Karina Ridley, of Lordswood, said: "He's doing really well, he's like a trooper, he's a strong kid.

"He got a brain injury, fractured eye socket, broken leg and the right side of his face is fractured.

"Everyone was amazing, the people who live in the road came and helped.

"The driver stopped and I know he had his family with him, and they felt awful.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped save my son’s life – from the unknown person who put him in the recovery position to the NHS ambulance crew who first responded and the air ambulance doctor and paramedics who took over his treatment and saved his life before getting him specialist help from the trauma team at King’s College.

“The AAKSS team were just amazing and incredibly kind to us. I am so grateful to them because without their help, I don’t believe Billy would be here today.”

Billy had surgery on his leg and may have to have surgery on his face.

"He likes his cast, he's got a camouflage army cast."

Karina wants to do a wing walk next year to raise money for the crew and wants to get the word out about getting youngsters to wear helmets when cycling.

She said: "I have always said, even before the accident, that helmets should be a legal requirement."

She also praised Billy's younger sister Elsie, 10, saying: "She's been a star, she's been very understanding. She's like a rock."

For further information on the work of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex visit www.aakss.org.uk

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