A FRIEND of a teenage boy who was killed in a motorcycle accident is raising vital funds for charity in his memory.

Michael Sadler, 15 and from Yarm, died when he fell from his off-road motorbike near Redcar in June.

Now Ellie Sleightholm, from Easingwold in York, has set about raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and the total has already surpassed £1,000.

The 15-year-old, who first met Michael while competing at motorbike competitions, said the two often raced together and talked regularly on social media, despite living away from each other.

“Motorcycling is a really male-dominated sport and Mike was one of the few that really didn’t isolate me in competitions, he was so funny and bubbly," Ellie said.

“When I won the girl's motocross nationals last year, Mike was there, so we want to carry on and go make him proud. We formed so many funny memories. He certainly was a friend for life.

“He'd always turn up to racing with a smile on his face, it made me so happy being with him."

The Great North Air Ambulance Service was called to assist Michael, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Mike was such a kind-hearted person and I wanted to reiterate that. I know sadly Mike could not be saved, but the Great North Ambulance Service was there to help him at a time of great need.

“They are such a wonderful cause. Mike’s family chose the charity and it makes me feel content and warm knowing that the money I raise may help save someone's life. What they do is incredible.”

Ellie is planning to run, walk and cycle 8.4 miles every day until she has completed the length of England, a distance of nearly 400 miles.

“Mike loved cycling as well as motorbikes, which was why I chose to do something a bit different, something that Mike loved. I feel like he is beside me the whole time,” she said.

An inquest into Michael’s death was opened last month but was adjourned to allow further investigations to be carried out.

The teenager, who was a pupil at Conyers School in Yarm, had been described as an experienced motocross racer and was wearing full off-road safety equipment and a helmet at the time of the accident.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/y2xyfs