A GARWAY man who was airlifted to hospital when he was seven, following a car accident, has raised more than £1,000 to say thank you.

Rob Jones and his sister Laura were just seven and four respectively when they were seriously injured when a car hit them in St Weonards on October 31, 1999.

Their father, Keith, with whom they were crossing was also injured in the accident on the A466 Hereford to Monmouth road.

Mr Jones, who is now 23, was taken to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol by the Midlands Air Ambulance in just six minutes.

And to say thank you, Mr Jones arranged a fundraiser where 30 people raced up and down a foggy Garway Hill six times.

Mr Jones said: "There was a big mix of age groups- form seven-year-olds through to an 80-year-old. My granddad did three up and down- it was really great.

"A lot of people said do it again next year. That would be great as every year it puts a positive twist on it, rather than saying 16 years ago today I was involved in an accident- it is celebrating the good work the air ambulance do.

"The air ambulance were able to save my life due to their quality of service and speed."

They have raised £1,200 with money still coming in. Sam Wheel won the race in 50 minutes.

The A466 had a 60mph speed limit at the time of the accident and the motorist that hit Mr Jones was travelling at 63mph.

He was in hospital for three months and was told he would not eat, walk and talk again.

But with the help of medical professionals and Mr Jones' own determination he brought himself back to good health.

The speed limit in the village where the accident happened has now been reduced to 30mph.

Mr Jones added: "It was brilliant to walk on Garway Hill with friends and family, who without them I probably wouldn't have got better or had such a big recovery.

"The skill of the doctors was world-class back in 1999, and things have developed since them."

He is currently doing a NVQ level two administration course at South Hereford Garages.

His colleagues said he has a great sense of humour and always looks on the positive side of life.

Mr Jones will continue fundraising for Midlands Air Ambulance. On November 29 there is a quiz and auction at the Garway Moon at 7pm. All welcome.

To sponsor Rob go to http://fundraising.midlandsairambulance.com/hillclimb