THE mother of a 10-year-old girl airlifted to hospital after a collision with a car is trekking across the Malvern Hills to raise cash for the County Air Ambulance.

Lorraine Eaton said the airborne service saved her daughter Sophie's life following the smash outside West Acre Middle School in Droitwich.

She was stunned when she discovered the helicopters were funded entirely by charitable donations, and immediately started organising the 10-mile trek to help secure the service's future.

"I didn't realise it was run entirely on charitable donations," said Mrs Eaton.

"I really think the air ambulance went a long way towards keeping Sophie alive, because she was airlifted to the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham within seven minutes.

"It took us an hour to get there because we were stuck in traffic."

Sophie was in collision with a blue Rover on her way to lessons on Monday, April 22. She was treated for a fractured skull and had 30 stitches in her head.

"She came out of hospital a couple of days ago," said Mrs Eaton.

"We thought that we'd lost her for a while, but she's made a miracle recovery.

"The air ambulance was important because, when you have injuries to the head, the first hour is vital.

"They had to keep her head still, which you can't really do in a land ambulance."

Supt Brian Fanthom, operations manager for the County Air Ambulance, said he was very grateful for any cash raised.

"We're totally dependent on the goodwill of the public to maintain this vital service," he said.

"We're totally funded by charity, and it's even more pleasing when we've been able to influence the outcome successfully for an injured patient.

"We're very grateful for the support of the family and pleased that the outcome has turned out as well as it has."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Mrs Eaton, due to start the trek on Sunday, May 19, should contact her on 01905 776417.

n Opinion: P6