Hatters fans cycle from Luton to Southend to raise thousands for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance

Eight Hatters fans cycled from Luton Town Football Club to Southend to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

In October last year, Craig Griffiths, 32, was left with critical injuries after he was involved in a collision with car while he was cycling close to his home in Luton.

Thanks to the skill and quick actions of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew both at the scene and on the journey to a major trauma unit in London Craig survived, he now wants to show his gratitude to the air ambulance that he says saved his life.

On Saturday, August 22, the 32-year-old and his friends travelled from the football club to Southend via the home airfield of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance team at North Weald, where Craig had the chance to thank the team in person.

The target on the group's Just Giving page was £2,500, which they beat and the total online is now £4,250.

Craig said: "They saved my life, and like many people I didn't realise the air ambulance was not part of the NHS, it is a charity and each single trip it makes costs around £2,500.

"I wanted to do something to thank them for what they did for me, and I knew that raising money would really help them.

"It rained all week and then on that day it actually stopped which was great for us!

"It was good, there was eight of us that did it, it took about five hours and we have raised about £5,000 including Gift Aid, I would have been happy with £1,000!

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust is a charity air ambulance service providing a free, life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the critically ill and injured of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/luton2southend.