Golf day raises £20,000 for appeal

Lesley Bougourd, of Littleton Way, Chase Terrace, organised the golf day in April at the Welcombe Hotel, Spa and Golf Club near Stratford upon Avon, in memory of her son Thomas Knight.

The Midlands Air Ambulance was called to a road accident involving Thomas in March last year in Stables Way. He was hit by a van and then a car.

Thomas was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital where he died. More than 100 golfers took part in the event. The day was sponsored by Volvo Trucks UK and Midlands-based Steve Benton Transport.

"The golf day was a very big success thanks to all the help and support provided by friends and family, as well as generous sponsorship from Volvo Trucks UK and Steve Benton Transport. I am delighted that we were able to raise such a large sum of money to honour the memory of Thomas," said Lesley.

Helen Hitchman, area fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance said: "The charity is appreciative of all the hard work that went in to arranging the golf day in memory of Thomas. Midlands Air Ambulance will ensure the proceeds from this event go towards continuing our unique helicopter service across the region."

Lesley has channelled her energy into organising a string of sporting charity events to honour the memory of Thomas, a pupil at Fulfen Primary School and an avid Liverpool fan. She wants to see a helipad built at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

lPictured are, front from left, Flight Paramedic Karen Baker with Ian Mitchell, commercial truck director Volvo Truck and Bus Ltd; Steve Benton; paramedic Kerry Penn-Ashman; Captain Simon Gough and Lesley Bougourd