A mother will be scaling new heights next month in tribute to the air ambulance charity which saved her son’s life.

Rachel and her sister, Raine, will be tackling the Three Peaks Challenge in August to raise awareness and funds for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).

Ollie, who has just finished Year 12 at Monmouth School for Boys, was involved in a serious road accident in June 2019.

Ollie was riding his bike when he was involved in a collision with a vehicle, causing him serious internal bleeding and other injuries.

Having lost around six pints of blood, the GWAAC team gave the Monmouth schoolboy, now 17, a blood transfusion with all the blood and plasma they had on board.

Ollie, a  keen sportsman who enjoys playing rugby and cricket, was airlifted to hospital in Bristol, spending several weeks in the intensive care unit and then a few weeks on a surgical ward.

“Without the Great Western Air Ambulance and the blood it carries, we would have lost Ollie,” said Mrs James, who has four children.

Thankfully, Ollie has now made a full recovery and he cannot thank the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity enough.

Ollie and his family visited GWAAC’s base in December to meet the team that had played a part in saving his life.

He said: “I am delighted to still be here.

“I know this is due to the amazing team that treated me. I can never really thank them enough.”

Rachel and Raine will be aiming to climb the UK’s three highest peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours between 21-23 August.

“To thank the invaluable Great Western Air Ambulance Charity service for complete dedication and commitment, we aim to raise a minimum of £5,000,” said Mrs James.

To make a donation, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helicopterhikers