A GRATEFUL Kidderminster man has raised more than a £1,000 for the medics that helped save his life.

Steve Davis suffered multiple serious injuries after falling 20 feet from a tree, which he was working on to cut down, on to rocks on a river bed in Lancashire on May 20 this year.

But he said, had it not been for the Air Ambulance who airlifted him to Salford spinal unit for emergency treatment, he would have died.

As a thank you to the charity, Steve, who works at Kidderminster Footwear, organised a fund-raising night featuring entertainment and a raffle, at Kidderminster Cricket Club on November 22 where he raised a total of £1,139.40 Steve suffered two brain haemorrhages, five breaks to his spine and eight broken ribs as a result of the accident. He underwent a 10 hour operation where a titanium spinal cage was fitted, which will stay in for life.

He said: “The accident happened while I was cutting a tree in Rawtenstall, Lancashire. I fell 20 feet into the river bed and on to rocks on my back.

“The emergency services were called and they used a snorkel lift to get me out of the river gorge.

“But if it hadn’t been for the air ambulance, I wouldn’t have made it due to my lungs filling with blood. That is why I organised the fund raiser. We raised £1,139.40 on the night thanks to all the donated raffle prizes and ticket sales.

“I would also like to thank my family, friends and work colleagues for all the help and support they have given me while recovering from such a terrible accident.”