A WOMAN who was airlifted by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has raised thousands of pounds for the cause.

Michelle Raine was travelling in a tractor when it slipped down a hillside and overturned in August.

Ms Raine broke her pelvis in five places, and had to be flown to hospital by air ambulance, where she later made a full recovery.

Several months after the accident, the former patient decided to give back to the charity, which she said “saved her life.”

Ms Raine then organised and hosted a ball at Tennants in Leyburn, where more than 400 people attended, and raised £14,332.50.

She said: “We are so pleased with the final amount raised and the fact that we have raised enough to keep the Air Ambulance in service for a whole day is fantastic.”

The air ambulance service said it costs £12,000 per day, to keep its helicopters running.

She added: “It was great to meet the paramedics at Topcliffe, especially Ant who was present at my accident, and even better to be able to present them with the money raised at the ball – a huge thanks to everyone who attended the event and donated so generously.”

Lin Stead of the ambulance said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Michelle for arranging the event. It was a great night and all Michelle’s hard work paid off, we’re grateful for the donation.”