A TEENAGER who was deeply affected after witnessing a road accident is raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Holly Hargreaves, 17, who lives in Leavening, was travelling to school in Malton last autumn when her bus was stopped by the crash, involving fellow teenager Jack Tyreman.

Jack, from Burythorpe, had been cycling to work when he was involved in the accident, near the village.

The 18-year-old suffered extensive head injuries and was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary by the air ambulance.

Holly said the witnessing what had happened to Jack had been extremely upsetting and so she had decided to do something to help.

"I used to see Jack cycle every day from his home to work in Malton, while I was sitting on the school bus, she said.

"My school bus arrived just after the accident. I was sitting at the front and saw the air ambulance arrive to airlift Jack to hospital.

"Seeing this affected me very deeply and I decided soon afterwards that I wanted to help in some way."

Holly, who is studying A-levels at Malton School, said: "The air ambulance provides a vital service in our rural community, so I decided to raise as much money as possible for the YAA, so that more lives can be saved."

Holly, along with her friend Megan Clibbens, is taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday. The pair will be joined by family and friends.

Holly said: "We’ve been training locally in the Lakes District as a family and on the North York Moors. Megan and I also completed our gold Duke of Edinburgh schemes with Malton School so we are used to being in the hills together.

"Ideally, I’d like to raise £3,000 and would be so grateful to anyone who could sponsor me for this challenge and help me meet my goal and help save lives."

Jack's mum, Julie Wiles, said he remained seriously ill and was currently being cared for in a specialist rehabilitation centre in Goole.

"Jack has started to speak and can say the odd word and wave," she said. "His long-term memory is quite good and he can remember who we are and where he lives, but his short-term memory isn't so good.

"Every day sees some small improvement, but there is still a long way to go and he will be at the centre for quite a while yet."

Julie, who has two older sons, Dean and Luke, said they had all been touched by the support the family had received.

"It has been absolutely overwhelming," she said. "There has been so much love and support for Jack.

"We are very grateful for what Holly and her friends and family are doing and to everyone who has raised funds and supported us."

To sponsor Holly and her team, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/holly-hargreaves-the-three-peaks