A TEENAGER is to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance after the service came to his rescue after a motorcross accident.

Ben Heys, 14, and his dad Chris, 47, from Mellor will be part of a group of 12 when they will be cycling 60 miles Manchester to Blackpool next month in a bid to raise £3,500.

The charity has special significance to Ben and his family after he dislocated his spine while taking part in a race last September.

Thanks to the air ambulance’s fast response, he was air-lifted to hospital from Barnoldswick and was discharged three hours later, returning to school the next day.

The cycle ride, which has been organised by the Christie Hospital in Manchester, will leave the Old Trafford football ground on Sunday, July 13, and will end at the promenade in Blackpool.

While the charity event ride will use push bikes, Ben has been involved with motocross bikes since he was six-years-old, following in his dad’s footsteps.

The pair, who are part of the Newton-le-Willows Motocross Club, are taking part in the ride alongside other motocross enthusiasts.

The year ten Ribblesdale High School pupil said: “The air ambulance means a lot to me because of my experience last year.

“They play a very important role, along with the St John Ambulance, at motocross events.

“I hope that the funds that we raise will help out the air ambulance and help them with their running costs The training has been going very well and it should be a really good ride.”

His dad, Chris, said: “We are really looking forward to it.

“Ben was given a free ride in the air ambulance last year when he dislocated his spine. He was taken to hospital and walked out a matter of hours later and then went to school the next day.

“He’s a tough kid and he has been enjoying training for the ride next month.”